A biopolymer-enabled multilayer seed coating technology developed by the ICAR-Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research in Telangana improved groundnut yields, reduced production costs and increased farm profitability during field demonstrations in southern India.
The technology was created to address common challenges in rainfed and semi-irrigated groundnut production, including poor seedling establishment, seed- and soil-borne diseases and inefficient use of crop inputs. Unlike conventional single-step seed treatments, the multilayer coating system delivers beneficial microbes, biostimulants, micronutrients and reduced-dose chemical protectants through separate coating layers designed to provide controlled release.
The technology was demonstrated under the ICAR Farmers FIRST Programme at Rampur Thanda village in Telangana's Vikarabad district. Groundnut seed received a functionally modified biopolymer multilayer coating consisting of a primer layer for adhesion followed by layers containing compatible biological agents and other crop inputs. Adjacent plots managed with conventional farmer seed treatment practices served as the comparison.
Field demonstrations conducted during the Early Kharif 2025-26 season across 6 hectares produced yields of 15.7 quintals per hectare, compared with 12.3 quintals per hectare under conventional practices. During the 2025-26 Rabi season, demonstrations covering 18 hectares yielded 22.74 quintals per hectare, compared with 17.85 quintals per hectare in the control plots.
Across both growing seasons, the multilayer seed coating technology produced an average yield increase of about 27.5% over conventional farmer practices.
Economic results also favored the new treatment. Across the combined 24-hectare demonstration area, the technology achieved an area-weighted average yield of 20.98 quintals per hectare, compared with 16.46 quintals per hectare under traditional management.
Gross returns reached 175,727 Indian rupees per hectare, compared with 141,068 rupees per hectare for conventional practices. Production costs declined by about 17%, reflecting more efficient use of crop inputs. Net returns increased to 128,332 rupees per hectare, compared with 83,829 rupees per hectare under traditional management. The benefit-cost ratio improved from 2.53 to 3.70.
Researchers also reported agronomic improvements beyond yield. The multilayer coating promoted stronger early crop establishment, improved plant vigor, increased tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses and enhanced the efficiency of multiple crop inputs while reducing application rates.
The technology demonstrated consistent performance across both cropping seasons and generated interest among participating growers, many of whom indicated they plan to adopt the system in future production cycles.
According to ICAR, the results indicate the multilayer seed coating technology has potential for broader use in groundnut production systems and could support seed production programs, frontline demonstrations and sustainable seed intensification efforts aimed at improving productivity, profitability and resource use efficiency.
Source: Indian Council of Agricultural Research, "ICAR–IIOR’s Innovative Seed Coating Intervention Boosts Groundnut Yields and Farmers’ Income in Telangana"