Nanotechnology in Agriculture UPSC

Nanotechnology in Agriculture

Nanotechnology refers to a field of applied science and technology whose unifying theme is the control of matter on the molecular level in scales smaller than 1 micrometre, normally 1 to 100 nanometres, and the fabrication of devices within that size range. 

Benefits of Nanotechnology in agriculture 

• Reduce nutrient run off: Compared to bulk form of chemical inputs in crops, use of nano-nutrients can reduce nutrient run-off into ground water and thus can reduce environmental pollution.
• Increase productivity: It helps to increase plant productivity and better crop protection for meeting requirements of providing food to growing population. 
• Increase soil fertility: In the agri-food areas pertinent applications of nanotubes, fullerenes, biosensors, controlled delivery systems, nanofiltration, etc. proved to be as good in resources management of agricultural field, drug delivery mechanisms in plants and helps to maintain the soils fertility. 
• Sustainable agriculture: Nano-based Agri-input and food products in India’ will pave the way for significant benefits for our mission on Doubling Farming Income by 2022 and National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture. 
• Nano-biotechnology has been an important area for the government of India which had launched a National Nano Mission in 2007. 

Note:-

The mission looks at the uses of nanotechnology for safe drinking water, materials development, sensors development, drug delivery, etc.

Department of Science and Technology (DST) is the nodal agency for implementing the nano mission.

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Concerns regarding Nanotechnology in Agriculture 

• Phytotoxicity and reactivity of nanomaterials in environment and possible adverse effect on exposed workers. 
• Concerns of fabrication and validation of nano sensors as well as environmental and health consequences of nanomaterial released from devices. 
• Concerns of Cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of cellular nanomaterials on Nano Agri Products. Risk of nanoparticles toxicity is higher in plants due to their miniscule size that can easily translocate within plant body. 
• Concerns regarding high aspect ratio, stiffness and bio durability of nano cellulose. 
• Insufficient economic interest, regulatory issues and public opinion in relation to nanotechnology in agricultural sector. 
• Lack of knowledge and developmental methods for risk and life-cycle assessment of nanotechnology in agriculture. 
• It reduces important bacterial diversity with declining taxa of Rhizobiales, Bradyrhizobiaceae, and Bradyrhizobium (related to nitrogen fixation) in response to these nanoparticles treatment.