Nanotechnology is science of manipulating materials at nano-scale. Among the latest
technological advancements, nanotechnology occupies a central position. It has many
applications in all stages of production, processing, storing, packaging and transport of
agricultural products. The reduced use of herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers with increased
efficiency, controlled release and targeted delivery will lead to precision farming. Dream of
automated, centrally controlled agriculture can become reality now. Modern agriculture is
need of hour because conventional agricultural will not be able to feed an ever increasing
population with changing climate, depleting resources and shrinking landscape. But at the
same time application of nano-materials in agri-food sector has to be evaluated for public
acceptance.
Thanks to nanotechnology that the future
food will be designed according to
consumer’s choice with a better taste,
texture, nutrient contents and a longer shelf
life. It can offer compelling value and prove
to be the "the next big thing" in future
agriculture. The food will be wrapped in
“smart” safety packaging that can detect
contaminants and spoilage agents.Nanotechnology is a novel, innovative,
interdisciplinary scientific approach that
involves designing, development and
application of materials & devices at
molecular level in nanometre scale i.e. at
least one dimension ranges in size from 1 to
100 nanometres,a billionth of meter. Graph
1 indicates an exponential increase in
research publications in field of
nanotechnology.The use of nanotechnology in agriculture is
getting importance because it is possible
advantages vary from enhanced food values,
reduced agricultural inputs, improved
nutrient contents and longer shelf life.For developing countries, agriculture
sector is backbone of their economy
including more than 60% of the population
which depends upon agriculture to earn their
livelihood directly or indirectly.Among the latest line of technological
innovations in the field of agriculture,
nanotechnology occupies a distinguished
position in remodelling agriculture and food
production to fulfill the demands in an
efficient and cost-effective way.
Nano-pesticide
Plant pests are major factors in limiting crop
yields. Conventional pest controlling
methods include the use of over-the-counter
pesticides in large quantity which
consequently add an additional cost in crop
production. Excess amount of pesticides also
cause environmental and water pollution.
There is a need to use as much as minimum
amount of pesticides to save the
environment and reduce the cost in crop
production.It can be achieved by
increasing the retention time of pesticides
with required efficiency. Persistence of
pesticides in the initial stage of crop growth
helps in bringing down the pest population
below the threshold level, leading to an
effective control for a longer period of time.
Disinfectants
It is estimated that 30 to 40% of the food
produced on earth goes to waste before it
can be consumed. The situation is even
worse in case of fruits and vegetables. These
losses can be reduced up to great extent by
increasing the shelf life of perishable
commodities. Nano- particles can also be
used as disinfectants in food packaging and food engineering to increase the shelf life of food product.
Nano Lamination
Other significant factors include moisture,
gases and lipids accumulation that cause the
food to be perished. To protect the food
from these agents, another workable option
is nano-lamination. Nano-lamination is
applied by coating foods with nanolaminates
or simply by spraying it on the
food surface. Along with preservation of
food they can improve the texture, preserve
flavour and colour of the food. Nanolaminates
are thin, harmless food grade
protective films which are prepared from
edible polysaccharides, proteins, and lipids.
In agriculture sector, Nanotechnology
has phenomenal potential to facilitate and
frame the next stage of precision farming
techniques. It will increase agricultural
potential to harvest higher yields in ecofriendly
way even in challenging
environment. Globally many countries
have recognized the potential of
nanotechnology in the agri-food sector and
are investing a significant amount on it. The
adoption of nanotechnology would play a
crucial role to feed the ever
increasing population with declining natural
resources.Extensive
studies are required to understand the
mechanism for nano-materials toxicity and
their impacts on natural environment. If we
overcome these considerations, the bright
and beneficial future is at doorstep of
developing nations.
