Abiotic stress disrupts vital physiological and biochemical processes in plants, leading to inhibited growth and reduced seed germination. To counter these effects, chitosan and chitosan-derived nanoparticles have emerged as essential priming agents. These biopolymers are non-toxic, biocompatible, and biodegradable, making them ideal for agricultural use. Chitosan enhances the activity of antioxidants and hydrolytic enzymes, which strengthens plant defences, improves membrane transporters' selective permeability, and increases seed germination rates. Chitosan nanoparticles, produced through methods such as ionic gelation, microemulsion, electrospraying etc. offer additional benefits due to their small size and high surface area. These nanoparticles are non-toxic and biodegradable, with a broad spectrum of antimicrobial properties, further enhancing their role in stress management. As eco-friendly solid matrix priming agents, chitosan and nano-chitosan significantly improve germination percentages and overall seedling health, making them effective in enhancing seed germination under salinity and other stressful conditions. The efficiency of these priming agents largely depends on optimizing the dosage and treatment time, which promotes the development of healthier seedlings and, consequently, better agricultural yields. The size and stability of nano-chitosan particles are crucial for their bioactivity and influence the seed germination index, directly impacting agricultural productivity under abiotic stress. Current review focuses on the role of chitosan and nano-chitosan as priming agents in mitigating abiotic stress with special reference to salinity stress in crops, highlighting their potential in future crop improvement programs aimed at stress management.