The Smart Seed Coating Technology

Prelims – Current events of national and international importance | Agriculture | Science and Technology

Why in News?

Recently, ICAR–IIOR, Hyderabad announced the successful demonstration of its biopolymer‑based Smart Seed Coating Technology.

Smart Seed Coating Technology – A biopolymer‑enabled multifunctional protective layer around seeds.
This technology uses a special coating to give crops useful microbes, nutrients, growth boosters, and small doses of protectants.
Relevance – It is particularly for rainfed farming (Kharif), enhancing crop resilience and reduce production risks.
Developed by – Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research (IIOR), Hyderabad.
Aim – To strengthen seed quality, crop establishment, and resilience against climatic and biological stresses.
Demonstration – Farmers FIRST Programme of ICAR, Rampur Thanda village, Telangana.
Patent – Indian Patent secured for biopolymer‑based seed coating.

Mechanism

Primer Layer Application – A specially designed biopolymer solution is applied to the seed surface. This layer ensures strong adhesion of the coating to the seed coat.
Functional Layers – Once the primer is set, additional layers carrying microbes, nutrients, micronutrients, and crop protectants are added sequentially.
Controlled Release – The multilayer structure ensures that inputs are released gradually at the seed–soil interface, matching the crop’s early growth needs.
Distribution – Treated seeds are then distributed to farmers through seed corporations, FPOs, cooperatives, and private seed companies for field use.

Key features

Comprehensive System – It functions as a comprehensive seed enhancement system capable of integrating multiple beneficial inputs into a single application.
Versatility – Customizable for cereals, millets, pulses, oilseeds, fibre crops, fodder crops, vegetables, spices, and horticultural crops.
Partnerships – ICAR‑IIOR promotes collaboration with National Seed Corporations (NSC), State Seed Corporations, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), cooperatives, seed hubs, custom treatment centres, seed entrepreneurs, and private seed companies.
Field Demonstrations – Telangana trials in groundnut and soybean showed 30% yield improvement over conventional practices.
Multi‑location Trials – (All India Coordinated Research Project) AICRP‑Seed trials across soybean, maize, chickpea, cotton, mustard, pigeon pea recorded 12–37% productivity gains.

References