Smart Seed Coating Technology (Agriculture)
Smart Seed Coating Technology (Agriculture)
Why In News:
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research - Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research (ICAR-IIOR) has showcased Smart Seed Coating Technology, a breakthrough that improves germination, enhances moisture retention, increases climate stress resilience, and boosts agricultural productivity and sustainability.
What is Smart Seed Coating Technology?
Concept: Seed coating involves applying a thin layer of functional materials (polymers, nutrients, bio-stimulants, and protective agents) around seeds to enhance their performance.
Smart Coating: Uses nano-materials, hydrogels and controlled-release polymers that respond to environmental triggers such as moisture and temperature, releasing nutrients or protective agents precisely when needed.
Benefits: Improves germination rates, enhances seedling establishment, reduces seed quantity needed per hectare, improves moisture retention in soil, and increases nutrient use efficiency.
Climate Resilience: Coated seeds show higher resistance to drought, salinity, and extreme temperature stress, critical for adaptation under climate change.
About ICAR-IIOR
Location: Hyderabad, Telangana.
Focus: Research and development in oilseeds crops such as groundnut, sunflower, soybean, safflower, sesame, and castor.
Under: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare.
Key Facts for Prelims
ICAR: Indian Council of Agricultural Research, an autonomous organization under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare.
India and Oilseeds: India is 4th largest oilseeds producer in the world. It accounts for 10% of global production.
Seed Village Concept:Decentralized agricultural model where trained local farmers are empowered to produce and distribute certified, high-yielding crop seeds.