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ICAR-IIOR patents seed coating tech that shields crops and improves productivity
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Monday, 22 June, 2026, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Ashwani Maindola, New Delhi
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The ICAR-Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research (ICAR-IIOR) has patented a biopolymer-based seed coating technology designed to shield crops from environmental stress and improve overall farm productivity.
As per the Union Ministry of Agriculture, the biodegradable coating creates a protective layer around the seed, acting as a direct delivery system for nutrients, beneficial microorganisms, and crop protection agents at the soil interface. This microenvironment supports faster germination and root development, helping young plants survive dry spells, erratic rainfall, and early-stage pest pressures.
The Ministry added that field trials across diverse agro-climatic conditions show substantial productivity gains.
In Telangana, demonstrations on groundnut and soybean crops recorded a 30% yield increase compared to traditional farming practices. National multi-location trials on maize, chickpea, cotton, mustard, and pigeon pea also showed consistent yield improvements ranging from 12% to 37% over untreated controls.
ICAR-IIOR scientists noted that the platform can be customised for cereals, pulses, oilseeds, and vegetables, making it highly versatile for rain-fed agriculture where seedling survival is typically low. By consolidating protection and nutrition into a single pre-treatment, the technology reduces early crop risks and improves resource-use efficiency.
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