A Cairns biotech startup is combining traditional Indigenous knowledge of "rainmaking" and modern science to optimise plant and fungi growth.

The company Rainstick is using electrical fields to treat seeds to improve germination and productivity.

Its technique is based on a tradition of the Maiawali people of central west Queensland, who used a chuggera or a lightning stick to direct thunderstorm activity.

Darryl Lyons is co-founder and "chief rainmaker".

"Chief rainmaker sounds like a really cool title," he said.

" But really, it's about figuring out how we can scale this technology globally to make a difference in agriculture. "

His business partner Mic Black is the "chief thunderstorm creator".

"We take seeds and we apply an electric field similar to what happens during a thund

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