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Recently, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research’s Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research (ICAR-IIOR), Hyderabad, developed an innovative Smart Seed Coating Technology to improve seed germination, crop establishment, and climate resilience, especially in rainfed agriculture.
About Smart Seed Coating Technology
Smart Seed Coating Technology is an innovative biopolymer-based seed treatment technology developed by the ICAR–Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research (ICAR-IIOR), Hyderabad.
The technology involves coating seeds with a biodegradable multifunctional layer that protects the seed and delivers essential nutrients and beneficial microbes directly to the seed during germination. It enhances seed performance, early crop growth, and resistance to environmental stresses while promoting sustainable agriculture.
Developed By
The technology has been developed by the Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research (ICAR-IIOR), Hyderabad, which functions under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
Key Features of Smart Seed Coating Technology
Biopolymer-Based Protective Coating
The technology uses biodegradable biopolymers to create a multifunctional protective layer around the seed. This coating protects the seed during storage and after sowing while ensuring environmentally friendly degradation in the soil.
Efficient Delivery Platform
The coating acts as an intelligent delivery system, supplying essential inputs directly at the seed–soil interface. It delivers beneficial microorganisms, nutrients, micronutrients, biofertilisers, and crop protection agents, ensuring that the seed receives vital resources exactly where they are needed during germination.
This targeted delivery improves nutrient-use efficiency while reducing wastage of agricultural inputs.
Creation of a Favourable Microenvironment
The coating creates a protective microenvironment around the seed that supports rapid and healthy germination.
It promotes faster seed germination, vigorous seedling growth, stronger root development, and improves the plant's ability to withstand both biotic stresses (caused by pests and diseases) and abiotic stresses (such as drought, heat, and salinity) during the critical crop establishment stage.
Suitable for Multiple Crops
The technology can be customised for a wide variety of crops, including cereals, millets, pulses, vegetables, and horticultural crops.
Its flexibility allows the same technology platform to be adapted for different agricultural conditions and crop requirements.
Ideal for Rainfed Agriculture
The technology is particularly suitable for rainfed farming, where crop productivity largely depends on uncertain rainfall.
By improving early crop establishment and moisture utilisation, it helps farmers reduce production risks under changing climatic conditions.
How Does Smart Seed Coating Work?
After sowing, the biodegradable coating gradually dissolves in the soil and releases beneficial microbes, nutrients, micronutrients, and crop protection agents around the seed.
This ensures immediate availability of essential inputs during germination, enabling the young plant to establish a stronger root system and grow more vigorously while reducing dependence on excessive fertilisers and pesticides.
Significance of Smart Seed Coating Technology
Promotes Climate-Resilient Agriculture
The technology helps crops tolerate drought, heat, moisture stress, and diseases, making agriculture more resilient to climate change.
Supports Rainfed Farming
Since nearly half of India's cultivated land is rainfed, the technology can significantly improve productivity in areas facing irregular rainfall and water scarcity.
Improves Seed Germination and Crop Establishment
Better germination leads to uniform crop growth, improved plant population, and higher agricultural productivity.
Enhances Resource-Use Efficiency
The direct delivery of nutrients and crop protection agents reduces wastage and improves the efficient use of fertilisers, micronutrients, and pesticides, thereby lowering cultivation costs.
Promotes Sustainable Agriculture
The use of biodegradable materials reduces environmental pollution while decreasing excessive chemical input, supporting environmentally sustainable farming practices.
Strengthens Food Security
By improving crop establishment and increasing productivity under challenging conditions, the technology contributes to higher agricultural production and enhances national food security.
Importance for India
The technology is particularly important because a significant portion of India's agriculture depends on rainfall and remains vulnerable to climate variability.
It supports national priorities such as sustainable agriculture, climate-resilient farming, improved seed systems, higher farm productivity, and efficient utilisation of natural resources.
Related Institutions
Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is India's premier organisation for agricultural research, education, and extension. It functions under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare.
Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research (ICAR-IIOR)
The Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research (IIOR), located in Hyderabad, is an ICAR institute dedicated to research and development of oilseed crops, improved farming technologies, and sustainable production systems.