ICAR-IIOR Develops Smart Seed Coating Technology

In June 2026, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research’s Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research (ICAR-IIOR), Hyderabad, developed a patented Smart Seed Coating Technology that enhances seed quality, improves crop establishment and increases resilience to climate-related stresses.

Key Points:

Innovation: The technology uses biodegradable biopolymer-based seed coating to improve seed performance and crop productivity under adverse environmental conditions.
Objective: It aims to address challenges such as erratic rainfall, drought, temperature fluctuations, soil degradation, and pest and disease attacks by improving seed quality during the early growth stages.
How It Works: The biopolymer coating acts as a delivery platform for beneficial microorganisms, nutrients, micronutrients, crop protection agents and plant growth-promoting compounds at the seed-soil interface.
Benefits: The technology promotes faster germination, stronger seedling growth, improved root development, better crop establishment and enhanced tolerance to both biotic and abiotic stresses.