The Indian Micro-Fertilizers Manufacturers Association (IMMA), in collaboration with ITM Skills University, Kharghar, recently hosted its inaugural Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Research Colloquium, bringing together the brightest young minds in agricultural research with industry leaders and academia.
The event provided a unique platform where complex research projects were presented in just three minutes, demonstrating clarity, innovation, and potential for real-world impact. A total of 17 research teams from 12 leading agricultural universities and ICAR institutions participated, presenting under six thematic areas:
- Residue-Free Farming
- Sustainable Agriculture & Soil Health
- Biostimulants & Nano-Fertilizers
- Manufacturing Innovations in Nutrients
- Climate Resilience through Nutrition Management
- Digital Tools in Nutrient Application
This thematic approach allowed participants and attendees to gain a comprehensive understanding of cutting-edge solutions tackling India’s agricultural challenges.
Award-Winning Innovations
The jury, comprising nine distinguished experts from ICAR, AgriInnovate, Ruia College, Kumaraguru Institutions, and other premier universities, evaluated the projects on novelty, impact, and scalability. Simultaneously, senior R&D leaders from IMMA member companies assessed the commercial potential of each research.
Winners included:
- 1st Prize: Synthesis and Evaluation of Biogenic Nano Potassic Fertilizer to Improve Potassium Use Efficiency in Maize (Zea mays L.) – Rafiqi Mohammed Abdul Rahman, TNAU
- 2nd Prize: Development of a Novel Biofertilizer Formulation Using Crushed Rice Straw as a Substrate – Shiv Charan Kumar, Alok Kumar Srivastava, Hillol Chakdar, ICAR-NBAIM
- Joint 3rd Prize:
- Bacillus spizizenii Driven Biostimulation for Nematode-Fungus Management in Castor – Sk. Menaaz Fathima et al., PJTSAU & IIOR, Hyderabad
- Nano-Biofertilizers for Improved Nutrient Absorption and Combatting Biotic Stress – Sunita Fernandes & Priyanka Sharma, MIT ADT University, Pune
Leadership Insights
Speaking at the event, Dr. Rahul Mirchandani, President of IMMA, emphasized the importance of linking research to practical solutions:
“The 3MT Colloquium is a pioneering step in creating a clear pathway from lab research to industry adoption. By compressing complex theses into concise three-minute pitches, we encourage clarity, engagement, and most importantly, a direct link between science and farmer outcomes.”
He added,
“With participation from 17 research teams, 12 universities, 9 eminent jury members, and top R&D leaders, this initiative has set the benchmark for translating academic excellence into industry-ready solutions.”
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