New Horizons of Nanotechnology in Agriculture and Food Processing Industry

Nanotechnology in Agriculture

Nanotechnology has the prospective to modernize the agricultural research and development with new tools for the molecular treatment of diseases with rapid detection and to enhancing the ability of plants to absorb nutrients etc. Smart sensors and smart delivery systems will help the agricultural industry, combat viruses and other crop pathogens. Nanotechnology also protects the environment indirectly through the use of alternative (renewable) energy supplies and filters or catalysts to reduce pollution and clean-up existing pollutants.

In the agricultural sector, nanotech research and development is likely to facilitate and frame the next stage of development of genetically modified crops, animal production inputs, chemical pesticides and precision farming techniques. While nano-chemical pesticides are already in use, other applications are still in their early stages and it may be many years before they are commercialized. These applications are largely intended to address some of the limitations and challenges facing large scale chemical and capital intensive farming systems.