#seedpriming

Every healthy harvest begins with a quiet beginning - a tiny seed waiting for the right start.

But what if that start itself could decide how strong the plant will grow?

In his latest research, Dr. Pabitra Kumar Ghosh from the Department of Agriculture explores a simple yet powerful idea: seed priming. By preparing tomato seeds before they even touch the soil, this technique helps plants fight major diseases and grow with greater resilience from the very first stage of life.

Think of it as giving the seed a head start - strengthening its natural defenses before challenges appear in the field. The result? Healthier tomato plants, reduced disease impact, and a smarter, more sustainable approach to cultivation.

This important work has been published in the reputed journal Folia Horticulturae (Impact Factor: 1.8 | SCIE Indexed | Published by Paradigm Publishing) - highlighting how small scientific interventions at the seed stage can create big changes in agricultural outcomes.

Because sometimes, the secret to a stronger harvest begins long before the first leaf appears.

Seed Hardening Technique using Cow’s Urine: Indigenous Indian method of seed hardening used on Ragi seed. Seed hardening is effective in helping seeds withstand adverse soil moisture conditions and water stress. It has been found to be effective against seed borne diseases (eg. Smut) and activating drought resistance. Adopted by 60% of farmers in Thondamuthur village, Tamil Nadu.

Method:

1.      Mix 100 ml of fresh cow’s urine with 1 L cold water (6 L of solution is needed for 6kg of Ragi seeds)

2.      Keeping solution 3-4cm above the seed level, soak the seeds for about 16 hours