SOMS 2026 to Host ‘Thesis Showdown’ for Agri Universities, Researchers and Agri-Tech Innovators
18 May 2026, New Delhi: As agriculture moves toward precision farming, sustainability and improved nutrient efficiency, Specialty and Organic Nutrient Solutions (SOMS) are increasingly gaining recognition as an important complement to conventional fertilisers. Their role in improving nutrient delivery, enhancing soil health and supporting sustainable crop production is becoming increasingly relevant as countries work toward long-term food and nutrition security goals.
Recognising the growing importance of plant nutrition in both agricultural productivity and human health, the Soluble Fertilizer Industry Association (SFIA) has announced the second edition of its Research Contest aimed at scientists, researchers and students from agricultural and technology institutions. The initiative seeks to encourage innovation in plant nutrition, strengthen scientific research and promote new technologies in the field of specialty and organic nutrient solutions.
The competition will cover a broad range of research themes related to SOMS fertilisers and advanced agri-input technologies. Areas of focus include agronomic studies involving SOMS fertilisers as complete nutrient management packages or in combination with soluble fertilisers, organic fertilisers, micronutrients, biostimulants and integrated crop nutrition solutions.
Researchers will also be invited to present work related to manufacturing technologies and process innovations for SOMS agri-inputs, particularly those focused on improving production efficiency, product quality and scalability. Additional themes include development of testing and validation methodologies to support quality assurance, standardisation and regulatory compliance for specialty agri-inputs.
Another key focus area will be soil health research, including studies on soil pH management, alkalinity correction and improving nutrient availability under challenging soil conditions. Comparative studies evaluating the performance of SOMS agri-inputs against conventional subsidised fertilisers will also form an important part of the contest, particularly in areas such as nutrient use efficiency, crop response, economic viability and long-term soil impact.
According to the organisers, the previous edition of the ‘Thesis Showdown’ generated research concepts ranging from ammonia recovery from wastewater for use as soluble fertilisers to the use of robotics in crop spraying systems. Selected projects were supported through cash incentives to encourage further research and development. This year, the top three research presentations will again receive cash awards in recognition of their contribution to agricultural science and innovation.
The competition will culminate in the “Thesis Showdown” grand finale during the Specialty Fertilizer Summit – SOMS 2026, scheduled to be held in Ahmedabad on 2 July 2026. The summit is expected to bring together policymakers, industry leaders, scientists, researchers and agricultural experts from multiple countries, providing finalists with an international platform to showcase their work before a global audience.
In an expanded format this year, the initiative will also encourage participation from premier institutions including IITs, ICAR institutes, National Research Centres (NRCs) and technology institutions working in areas such as artificial intelligence, automation, robotics, digital agriculture and next-generation agri-tech systems. Organisers believe this broader participation will help strengthen the integration of technology-driven innovation with sustainable farming practices and modern nutrient management systems.
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