Indian research institute develops smart seed coating technology to enhance crop production
This protective microenvironment promotes rapid germination, vigorous seedling growth, enhanced root development, and improved tolerance to environmental stresses during the critical crop establishment phase, it said.
The Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research in Hyderabad has developed and demonstrated a biopolymer-based smart seed coating technology designed to enhance seed quality, crop establishment and resilience against biotic and abiotic stresses across a wide range of agricultural crops.
The technology utilises biodegradable biopolymeric materials to create a multifunctional protective layer around seeds. The coating acts as a carrier system for beneficial microorganisms, nutrients, micronutrients, crop protection agents and plant growth-promoting compounds, delivering them directly at the seed-soil point, the Agricultural Ministry said today.
This protective microenvironment promotes rapid germination, vigorous seedling growth, enhanced root development, and improved tolerance to environmental stresses during the critical crop establishment phase, it said.
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Field demonstrations conducted under farmer field conditions have shown substantial improvements in crop establishment, plant vigour and productivity, said the ministry.
In groundnut and soybean, demonstrations of the technology recorded yield improvements of nearly 30% compared to conventional farming practices.
Similar seed enhancement approaches have demonstrated positive impacts across multiple crops under diverse agro-climatic conditions.
Multi-location seed trials across soybean, maize, groundnut, chickpea, cotton, mustard, and pigeon pea demonstrated consistent improvements in seedling vigour, crop establishment and yield, with productivity gains ranging from 12–37% over untreated controls.
The technology is particularly relevant for rainfed agriculture, which accounts for a major share of India's cultivated area and is highly vulnerable to climatic uncertainties.
Delayed monsoons, intermittent droughts, moisture stress, poor soil conditions and pest and disease pressures frequently affect seedling emergence and crop establishment, ultimately reducing yields.
The technology can be customised for cereals, millets, pulses, oilseeds, fibre crops, fodder crops, vegetables, spices, and horticultural crops. End
