ICAR-IIOR Develops Smart Seed Coating Technology to Boost Crop Yields and Climate Resilience
Hyderabad, June 18 (TNT): The ICAR-Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research (ICAR-IIOR) here has developed a biopolymer-based Smart Seed Coating Technology aimed at improving seed quality, crop establishment and resilience to climatic and biological stresses across a wide range of agricultural crops.
The patented technology uses biodegradable biopolymers to create a protective coating around seeds, enabling the delivery of beneficial microorganisms, nutrients, micronutrients and plant growth-promoting compounds directly at the seed-soil interface, the Institute said in a release here on Thursday.
The Institute said the technology promotes faster germination, stronger root development, improved seedling vigour and greater tolerance to drought, temperature extremes, pests and diseases during the critical early stages of crop growth.
Field demonstrations conducted under farmers’ conditions in Telangana showed yield improvements of nearly 30 per cent in groundnut and soybean compared with conventional cultivation practices.
Multi-location trials conducted under the All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Seeds also recorded productivity gains ranging from 12 to 37 per cent across crops including soybean, maize, groundnut, chickpea, cotton, mustard and pigeon pea.
Scientists said the technology is particularly relevant for rainfed agriculture, where erratic rainfall, moisture stress and poor soil conditions often affect crop establishment and productivity.
Unlike conventional seed treatments, the Smart Seed Coating platform can integrate multiple beneficial inputs into a single application and can be customised for cereals, millets, pulses, oilseeds, fibre crops, vegetables, spices and horticultural crops.
It said the innovation supports national priorities related to climate-resilient agriculture, sustainable farming, improved seed systems and efficient use of agricultural inputs.
The institute is promoting partnerships with public and private seed organisations, including State Seed Development Corporations, the National Seed Corporation, farmer producer organisations (FPOs), seed processing units and private seed companies, to facilitate large-scale adoption of the technology.
Researchers said wider deployment of smart seed technologies could improve agricultural productivity, reduce production risks associated with climate change and enhance farm incomes while minimising environmental impacts.
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