NEWS: ICAR–IIOR, Hyderabad successfully demonstrated its biopolymer-based Smart Seed Coating Technology, aimed at improving crop productivity and resilience.

ABOUT

• Developed by ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research) and Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research (IIOR), Hyderabad.
• A biopolymer-enabled multifunctional coating applied around seeds.
• Designed to deliver beneficial microbes, nutrients, growth promoters, and crop protectants directly to seeds.
• Particularly useful for rainfed (Kharif) agriculture.
• Secured an Indian Patent for the technology.

HOW IT WORKS

• Primer LayeràBiopolymer coating ensures strong adhesion to the seed surface.
• Functional Layersà Additional layers contain microbes, micronutrients, nutrients, and crop protectants.
• Controlled Releaseà Inputs are gradually released at the seed-soil interface according to crop growth requirements.

KEY FEATURES

• Integrates multiple beneficial inputs into a single seed treatment.
• Applicable to cereals, millets, pulses, oilseeds, fibre crops, fodder crops, vegetables, spices, and horticultural crops.
• Promotes collaboration with seed corporations, FPOs, cooperatives, and private seed companies.
• Supports climate-resilient and sustainable agriculture.

BENEFITS

• Improves seed germination and crop establishment.
• Enhances resilience against climatic and biological stresses.
• Reduces production risks in rainfed farming.
• Ensures efficient nutrient utilization through targeted delivery.
• Can reduce dependence on excessive fertilizers and pesticides.

PERFORMANCE

• Telangana field trials in groundnut and soybean showed around 30% yield improvement.
• AICRP-Seed trials in crops such as soybean, maize, chickpea, cotton, mustard, and pigeon pea recorded 12–37% productivity gains.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR INDIA

• Supports sustainable and climate-smart agriculture.
• Enhances productivity and farmer incomes.
• Strengthens seed quality and agricultural resilience.
• Contributes to food security and agricultural modernization.