The Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research (IIOR) in Hyderabad, under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), has developed and demonstrated an innovative biopolymer-based Smart Seed Coating Technology that can boost crop yield by up to 37% from current levels, according to a government statement.
Technology Overview
The technology wraps seeds in a biodegradable layer that delivers microorganisms, nutrients, and crop-protection agents directly at the seed-soil interface, improving germination rates and early plant growth, ICAR said. The coating can be tailored for a broad range of crops, including cereals, millets, pulses, vegetables, and horticultural produce. It is particularly suited to rainfed farming, which covers a large share of India’s cultivated land and remains highly exposed to erratic monsoons and drought. The technology has also been patented in India, ICAR added.
Field Trial Results
Field trials across seven crops — soybean, maize, groundnut, chickpeas, cotton, mustard, and pigeon pea — showed productivity gains of 12% to 37% over untreated seeds, ICAR said. Demonstrations in Telangana recorded yield improvements of about 30% in groundnut and soybean compared with standard farming practices. The following table summarizes the per-hectare yields achieved in 2025-26 for various oilseed crops:
| Crop | Season | Yield (tonnes per hectare) |
|---|---|---|
| Groundnut | Summer | 1.8 |
| Groundnut | Kharif | 2.26 |
| Groundnut | Rabi | 2.4 |
| Soybean | Kharif | 1.02 |
| Mustard | Rabi | 1.46 |
| Sunflower | Kharif/Rabi | 1–1.35 |
| Castor | Kharif/Rabi | 1.98 |
| Sesame | Kharif | 0.5–0.9 |
Impact and Scalability
The technology has been designed to address a persistent vulnerability in agriculture, such as poor crop establishment during early growth stages, which can undermine yields even when other farming conditions are sound. "Smart Seeds represent an important step in this direction by delivering protection, nutrition, and biological support precisely where they are needed," ICAR said.
ICAR is aiming to partner with interested State seed corporations, farmer producer organisations (FPOs), and private seed companies to scale up distribution, aiming to reach smallholder farmers across diverse agro-climatic regions.
Implications for Agribusiness and Commodity Markets
For commodity traders and agribusiness executives, this technology could significantly enhance domestic supply of key oilseeds and pulses in India, potentially reducing import dependence. With groundnut yields rising by 30% in Telangana demonstrations, and similar gains in soybean, the technology may help stabilise production volumes for these commodities. Improved yields in mustard and chickpeas could also support domestic edible oil and protein markets. As ICAR scales up distribution through partnerships, the adoption rate will be a key metric to watch for its impact on India's agricultural output and commodity flows.
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