The Impressive TimesTIT Correspondent
HYDERABAD: In a major breakthrough for climate-resilient farming, the ICAR–Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research (ICAR-IIOR), Hyderabad, has developed an innovative biopolymer-based Smart Seed Coating Technology aimed at improving seed quality, crop establishment, and farm productivity across a wide range of crops.
As Indian agriculture faces growing challenges from climate change, erratic rainfall, droughts, extreme temperatures, soil degradation, and increasing pest and disease pressures, ensuring strong crop establishment has become critical. Recognising that seed quality forms the foundation of agricultural productivity, ICAR-IIOR has introduced a technology designed to enhance seed performance during the most vulnerable stages of crop growth.
The patented Smart Seed Coating Technology uses biodegradable biopolymeric materials to create a multifunctional protective layer around seeds. This coating serves as a carrier for beneficial microorganisms, nutrients, micronutrients, crop protection agents, and plant growth-promoting compounds. By delivering these inputs directly at the seed-soil interface, the technology promotes faster germination, stronger root development, vigorous seedling growth, and improved tolerance to environmental stresses.
Field demonstrations conducted under farmer conditions have produced encouraging results. Trials in Telangana showed yield improvements of nearly 30 percent in groundnut and soybean compared to conventional farming practices. In addition, multi-location trials under the All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP)-Seed across crops such as soybean, maize, chickpea, cotton, mustard, pigeon pea, and groundnut recorded productivity gains ranging from 12 to 37 percent over untreated seeds.
The technology is particularly valuable for India’s rainfed farming systems, which cover a significant portion of the country’s cultivated area and remain highly vulnerable to delayed monsoons, droughts, moisture stress, poor soil conditions, and pest attacks. By protecting seeds and young seedlings during the crucial establishment phase, the technology helps reduce production risks and improve crop resilience.
Unlike conventional seed treatments that generally serve a single purpose, the ICAR-IIOR platform integrates multiple benefits into one application. It can be customized for cereals, millets, pulses, oilseeds, fibre crops, vegetables, spices, fodder crops, and horticultural crops, making it suitable for diverse agricultural systems.
ICAR-IIOR scientists said the innovation aligns with national goals of sustainable agriculture, climate adaptation, and enhanced resource-use efficiency. The institute is promoting partnerships with seed corporations, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), seed entrepreneurs, and private companies to ensure large-scale adoption. Researchers believe widespread use of Smart Seeds can strengthen India’s seed systems, increase farm productivity, improve climate resilience, and support the livelihoods of millions of farmers.
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