Seed Selection & Treatment

Crop Planting & Soil Preparation

Good crops start with good seeds. Even if your soil is fertile and your care is perfect, poor-quality seeds will never give a good harvest. That's why farmers say:

👉 Bija achha toh fasal achhi (Good seeds = Good crops).

This sub-module will guide you on how to select healthy seeds and how to treat them before sowing so they resist pests and diseases.

🌱 Step 1: Choosing Good Seeds

When buying seeds, keep these points in mind:

  • Certified Seeds: Always buy from trusted sources — agriculture departments, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), or reliable shops.
  • Local Varieties vs. Hybrids:
    - Local (Desi): Strong, adapted to local climate, can save seeds for next season.
    - Hybrid: Higher yield, disease resistance, but seeds cannot be reused.
  • Season-Specific: Choose crops that match the season (Rabi/Kharif/Zaid). Example: Don't sow cauliflower in peak summer.
  • Appearance: Seeds should be uniform in size, not broken, discolored, or too light.

👉 Quick test:

Take a handful of seeds, blow on them. If many light ones fly away, those are weak — avoid them.

🌾 Step 2: Testing Seed Quality at Home

a) Germination Test

Take 100 seeds and place them on a wet cloth or paper.

  • Keep moist for 7–10 days.
  • Count how many sprout.

👉 If at least 80 out of 100 germinate, the seed is good.

b) Salt Water Test (for grains & pulses)

Mix 1 tablespoon salt in a glass of water.

  • Drop seeds in it.
  • Good seeds sink, bad (empty) seeds float.

👉 Throw away floating seeds.

🧑‍🔬 Step 3: Seed Treatment (Before Sowing)

Seed treatment protects seeds from fungus, rot, and pests during the early stages. There are natural and chemical methods.

a) Natural Treatments (Eco-friendly)

Neem Powder/Neem Oil

  • Coat seeds with neem powder or soak in neem oil solution for a few hours.
  • Protects against soil pests and fungus.

Cow Dung + Cow Urine Slurry (Traditional method)

  • Seeds soaked for 12–24 hours.
  • Improves germination and gives natural protection.

b) Bio-Fungicide/Trichoderma Treatment

Coat seeds with Trichoderma (a friendly fungus).

Protects from harmful soil fungi like root rot.

c) Chemical Treatment (if needed)

Treat with fungicides like Thiram or Captan (2–3 g per kg seed).

Mostly used in large-scale farming.

👉 Tip:

For home gardening or organic farming, stick to neem or Trichoderma — safe and effective.

🌿 Benefits of Seed Treatment

Here's why seed treatment is important:

  • Faster and more uniform germination.
  • Strong seedlings that resist disease.
  • Saves money on pesticides later.
  • Increases overall yield.

✍️ Practical Exercise for You

Try this simple activity:

  • Take a small batch of seeds (spinach or tomato).
  • Do a salt water test — separate weak seeds.
  • Treat the good ones by coating them with neem powder.
  • Sow them in your prepared bed and compare germination with untreated seeds.