Seed bio-priming with microbial inoculants: A tailored approach towards improved crop performance, nutritional security, and agricultural sustainability for smallholder farmers

Abstract The seed is the most primary requirement of agriculture. Hence, it is crucial to maintain the quality of the seeds through nature-based solutions having multiple benefits. Among the pre-sowing techniques, bio-priming has emerged out to be the most simple, economical, and eco-friendly delivery system of beneficial microorganisms in the agroecosystem. Therefore, comprehension regarding the applicability of bio-priming in restoring soil health, improving plant nutrition, and maintaining crop/seed quality has a major role in achieving the UN-Sustainable Development Goals such as no poverty, zero hunger, good health and well-being, etc. Our efforts to minimize the nonrenewable energy sources and promote the use of microbial resources at the community level need to be re-emphasized. Identification of sustainability indicators like soil enzymes, growth hormones, organic acids, etc. under bio-priming based agroecosystems is imperative for utilizing the potential microbes in the best manner. This review highlights bio-priming as a pragmatic technological option in achieving the tripartite goal of food-nutritional security, environmental stewardship/quality, and agricultural profitability under different agroecosystems.