{ New Delhi, April 9 (PTI) – In a groundbreaking step to acknowledge the voices behind India’s farm stories, the Soluble Fertilizer Industry Association (SFIA) has announced the SOMS Agriculture Journalism Award 2025. This award aims to honour dedicated journalists who have gone beyond the city limits to highlight the trials, triumphs, and transformation of India’s vast agricultural landscape. }

If you’re a journalist passionate about telling the stories of India’s farmers, this award is for you.

What is the SOMS Agriculture Journalism Award?

The SOMS Agriculture Journalism Award is a new initiative launched by SFIA (Soluble Fertilizer Industry Association). This is the first time SFIA has taken this step to formally recognize the contribution of journalists in the field of agriculture.

It is aimed at celebrating the work of those who tirelessly report from the ground—covering the lives of farmers, the impact of agri-policies, innovations in the sector, and rural entrepreneurship. Whether you’re working with a national daily or a regional digital platform, if you’ve been telling compelling stories related to agriculture, this award is tailored for you.

Who is eligible to apply?

The award is open to journalists from across the country working in:

• Broadcast Media

• Print Media

• Digital Platforms

Importantly, entries are invited in four languages:

• English

• Hindi

• Gujarati

• Marathi

This multilingual approach makes the award accessible to a wide community of regional journalists who have been at the forefront of agricultural reporting.

What kind of journalism is SFIA looking for?

SFIA is looking for stories that go beyond headlines. These could be:

• Investigative reports on farming distress

• Inspiring profiles of agri-entrepreneurs

• Coverage on climate change and its effect on agriculture

• Analysis of government schemes and their implementation

• Narratives showcasing the adoption of agri-tech or organic farming

• Regional case studies from rural India

The aim is to recognize work that educates, informs, and shapes public discourse while giving a platform to farmer voices that often go unheard.

What is the deadline for submission?

The last date to submit entries is April 30, 2025. Journalists are encouraged to send their best published or broadcasted work that aligns with the spirit of agricultural journalism.

This gives ample time to curate your submissions—whether it’s a compelling video feature or a long-form report.

Why has SFIA launched this initiative?

The award comes from a place of deep respect for grassroots journalism. As SFIA President Rajib Chakraborty puts it:

“The SOMS award is dedicated to those journalists who step beyond city limits and chronicle the enduring spirit of our farmers and agri-entrepreneurs. Through their work, they are not just informing the public but also influencing policies that can bring lasting change.”

This statement highlights the critical role journalists play—not just in storytelling, but also in shaping policies and public opinion.

What makes this award different?

Unlike many journalism awards that focus on urban or mainstream issues, the SOMS Award is specifically dedicated to agricultural journalism. It fills a crucial gap by appreciating stories from the rural heartlands—stories that require travel, language skills, patience, and a deep understanding of the land and its people.

By encouraging reporting in regional languages, SFIA also acknowledges the linguistic diversity of India’s agricultural belt and the vital role vernacular media plays in disseminating information to farmers.

Why is agricultural journalism so important?

In a country where over 50% of the population depends on agriculture, the role of agricultural journalism cannot be overstated. It acts as a bridge between policymakers, researchers, agri-businesses, and the farmer. It also ensures that farming issues remain part of national conversations.

Well-reported stories on droughts, farmer suicides, irrigation crises, market reforms, or organic movements not only inform the public but influence decision-makers at the highest levels.

Conclusion

The SOMS Agriculture Journalism Award 2025 is more than just a prize—it’s a celebration of journalists who dare to tell rural stories. It recognizes the grit, passion, and persistence of those working far away from newsrooms, deep in India’s farming villages.

If you’re a journalist who has contributed to this space—or know someone who has—now is the time to share that work with the world.

✅ Submit your entries before April 30, 2025

✅ Showcase your dedication to rural storytelling

✅ Be part of a movement that values journalism from the grassroots