ICAR ‘smart seeds’ lift yields 37%

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research's Institute of Oilseeds Research (ICAR-IIOR) has developed a new biopolymer-based seed coating technology that can increase crop yields by up to 37%, offering a potential solution to improve farm productivity amid growing climate-related challenges.

  The Hyderabad-based institute said the technology creates a biodegradable coating around seeds, delivering nutrients, beneficial microorganisms and crop-protection agents directly where they are needed during germination and early plant growth.

  According to ICAR-IIOR, field trials conducted on seven major crops — soybean, maize, groundnut, chickpea, cotton, mustard and pigeon pea — showed yield improvements ranging from 12% to 37% compared with untreated seeds. 

 The institute said demonstrations carried out in Telangana recorded nearly 30% higher yields in soybean and groundnut crops under normal farming conditions.  Researchers noted that poor crop establishment during the early stages of growth remains a major challenge for Indian agriculture, often affecting final production even when weather and other farming conditions remain favourable.

  The patented technology, branded as "Smart Seeds", aims to address this issue by providing protection, nutrition and biological support directly at the seed-soil interface. Scientists said the approach helps improve germination rates, strengthens early root development and enhances crop growth.

—PTI