- ICAR–Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research has developed a patented biopolymer-based smart seed coating that significantly enhances stress tolerance and crop yields.
- The biopolymer coating creates a multifunctional layer that delivers beneficial microbes, nutrients, micronutrients, crop protection agents, and plant growth-promoting compounds.
- This technology strengthens crop establishment during vulnerable early growth stages, supporting faster germination, stronger seedling vigor, and improved root development.
The Hyderabad-based institute said the technology marks a “significant step” towards strengthening climate-resilient agriculture and improving farm productivity.
The patented technology is designed to strengthen crop establishment during the most vulnerable early growth stages, as climate variability continues to disrupt planting conditions across India.
Field demonstrations conducted under farmer conditions in Telangana recorded yield improvements of nearly 30 per cent in both groundnut and soybean compared to conventional practices.
Multi-location trials under the All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) further showed consistent gains across crops, including maize, chickpea, cotton, mustard and pigeon pea, with productivity increases ranging from 12% to 37% over untreated controls.
These results highlight the technology’s potential for a diverse range of cropping systems.
Strengthening seeds key
Seed performance is a critical but often overlooked constraint on productivity, said ICAR-IIOR.
“Seed is the primary carrier of agricultural technology and serves as the foundation of crop productivity. Even under optimal management conditions, poor seed establishment can significantly limit yield realisation. Strengthening seed performance during the early stages of crop growth therefore offers one of the most cost-effective and scalable approaches to improving agricultural productivity.”
The smart seed coating uses biodegradable biopolymers to create a multifunctional layer around seeds, acting as a delivery system for beneficial microbes, nutrients, micronutrients, crop protection agents and plant growth-promoting compounds.
By placing these inputs directly at the seed–soil interface, the coating creates a protective microenvironment that supports faster germination, stronger seedling vigour, and improved root development.
Unlike conventional single-function seed treatments, the ICAR-IIOR platform integrates multiple inputs into one application, combining protection, nutrition and biological support at the earliest stage of crop growth.
This integrated approach aims to improve both stress tolerance and resource-use efficiency without increasing application complexity for farmers.
Significant for rainfed agriculture
The technology is particularly relevant for India’s rainfed agriculture, which accounts for a significant share of cultivated land and is highly exposed to climatic uncertainty.
Delayed monsoons, intermittent dry spells, and poor soil conditions often disrupt seedling emergence, leading to uneven crop stands and lower yields.
“By improving seed performance and protecting emerging seedlings during the most vulnerable stages of growth, smart seed technologies can significantly enhance crop resilience and reduce production risks.”
ICAR-IIOR said the coating platform can be adapted for a wide range of crops, including cereals, millets, pulses, oilseeds, fibre crops, fodder crops, vegetables, spices and horticultural crops.
This flexibility positions it as a scalable technology that could be integrated across regions and systems.
Scaling and future research
To drive adoption, the institute is promoting partnerships with public and private seed systems.
The aim is to embed smart coating solutions into existing seed production and distribution networks so that enhanced seeds can reach farmers at scale.
ICAR-IIOR scientists said future gains in agricultural productivity will increasingly depend on improving input efficiency through targeted delivery systems.
“Smart seeds represent an important step in this direction by delivering protection, nutrition and biological support precisely where they are needed, at the earliest stage of crop growth. Such technologies can help farmers achieve better crop establishment, improved stress tolerance, higher yields and greater profitability while minimising environmental impacts.”
The institute is continuing research into next-generation seed enhancement technologies that combine advanced biopolymers, biologicals and nutrient delivery systems.
The long-term goal is to transform conventional seeds into climate-resilient smart seeds that support higher productivity and improved farmer incomes.
“The widespread adoption of such technologies can strengthen India’s seed systems, improve agricultural productivity, enhance resilience to climate change, and ultimately contribute to improved livelihoods for millions of farmers across the country.”
