Sett Treatment Device

Mechanized priming of planting materials is an innovative technology, patented as “Rapid treatment for planting materials of sugarcane and other vegetatively propagated crops” (Patent Number: 516028 (2024); Indian Application No: 3323/CHE/2011) by ICAR-Sugarcane Breeding Institute.   This is a simple and rapid technology works under the principle of vacuum infiltration and effectively deliver various agro-inputs (physical/ chemical/ biological) in the planting material to protect seed and crop health from biotic and abiotic stress. Moreover, it is economical, ecofriendly, able to deliver many inputs at a time and suitable for large scale application for any type of planting with reduced input usage. Application of this technology using ‘Sugarcane Sett Treatment Device (STD)” was developed in association with ICAR-CIAE and commercialized in 2016, 2020, 2024 and 2025. This technology aims for sustainable cultivation of elite varieties in sugarcane and other vegetatively propagated crops and increasing the productivity by avoiding loss due to diseases, early season pest and nutrient deficiency. Also empowering the farmers for increased crop yields, profitability and sustainable livelihood. Since commercialized in 2016, four private firms have procured the technology and effectively installed about 500 units all over India. The technology has been validated in 13 AICRP centers for Healthy Nursery programme and management of sugarcane diseases viz., red rot, smut, wilt and pokkah boeng across 4 zones and being adopted by sugar mills and farmers. Entrepreneurship is encouraged with 40-50% subsidy for the device under SMAM’ 2024 approved by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and being effectively disseminated under NADP-RKVY and NFSM throughout India. Under normal conditions, by priming the planting material with combination of fungicide, insecticide and nutrients improves yield by 8-10% with 96% reduced use of inputs and its cost to protect the crop upto 5 months from early season pests/ diseases and nutrient deficiency. In endemic situation, it increases yield from 50 – 100% with significant reduction on disease incidence, which improves ratoonability and further return for the farmers.

• Patented
• Commercialized
• Innovative technology
• Protects seed and crop health
• Spread across India and in other countries
• Entered into subsidy 40 – 50%
• Encourages Entrepreneurship
• Women Friendly – creates job  for rural women