Young innovators associated with the Government of India’s technological and research initiatives participated in the Thesis Showdown

Gandhinagar:  At the national agri-leadership conference SOMS 2025, held at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar, the much-anticipated Thesis Showdown highlighted the power of youth-driven innovation in agriculture. The event showcased how India’s next generation of agri-innovators is developing science-backed, sustainable, and locally relevant solutions to some of the most pressing challenges faced by Indian farmers.

Four standout innovations were presented during the competition. Emerging as the winner was Neha P. Thakare, a PhD scholar from Laxminarayan Innovation Technological University, Nagpur. Neha has developed a core technology to recover ammonia from industrial waste—an idea that has now evolved into a full-fledged commercial pilot. Her innovation offers a viable path to produce indigenous fertilisers, reducing dependence on imports. She was awarded a cheque of ₹50,000 and a certificate of excellence.

Dr. Showkat Rasool, Assistant Professor at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, secured second place. His innovation—a smart sprayer designed specifically for apple orchards—uses dynamic canopy volume calculation to adjust pesticide discharge in real time. This not only minimises chemical use but also enhances spray efficiency. He received a cash prize of ₹25,000.

Third place went to Abdul Rehman from Agricultural College and Research Institute, TNAU, Madurai. His work focuses on extracting nano phosphorus from seaweed and amorphous silica from rice husk to create a slow-release, sustainable fertiliser. While promising, the jury noted the need for a more robust commercial model. He was awarded ₹15,000.

Jeevaa G., from the Horticultural College and Research Institute, Periyakulam, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, received the consolation award. Her project tackled declining jasmine yields in Tamil Nadu. By conducting soil diagnostics and customising nutrient formulations, she was able to significantly improve productivity and quality in jasmine cultivation.

The innovations were evaluated by a distinguished panel of agricultural experts: Dr. Pranjib Chakraborty (Former ADG, ICAR), Dr. Kaushik Banerjee (Director, NRC Grapes, Pune), Dr. P. K. Pandey (Director, ICAR-ATARI, Kolkata), Dr. B. D. Jade (Jain Irrigation Systems), and Dr. K. R. Reddy (President, BIPA). The evaluation was based on depth of research, scalability, sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and relevance to Indian agriculture.

Concluding the session, Rajib Chakraborty, National President of SFIA, congratulated all participants and shared a compelling message:

“India urgently needs such young innovators who can provide scientific and indigenous solutions to local challenges. We have the knowledge, technology, and talent to become self-reliant in the fertiliser sector. The day is not far when India will no longer depend on China for fertilisers. This transformation is already underway, and with the government actively supporting such innovations, we are moving in a very positive direction.”

The Thesis Showdown at SOMS 2025 was more than a competition—it was a clear reflection of how Indian agriculture is evolving beyond fields and into the realm of innovation. For agri-journalists, policymakers, and stakeholders, it served as a reminder that India’s next green revolution may well be led by its young minds, driven by science, sustainability, and self-belief.