Throw some light on the Nano-based Agri-input and food products. Highlight the opportunities and concerns associated with them.

The nanotechnology has redefined the contours of innovation and research. Nano-based agri-input and food products use nanotechnology (i.e. particles to the size of 10 nm) as inputs in agriculture.

Benefits:

  • Minimize wastage and effective application of inputs due to ability to deliver targetedly with high precision.
  • Environmentally more sustainable than blatant use of pesticides. 65% of agri land is at the risk of pesticide poisoning.
  • Higher productivity per unit land as compared to traditional methods.
  • Reduce input cost of agriculture as only the requisite dosage is provided.
  • Beneficial for farmer health. Cancer belt in Punjab due to overuse of inputs.
  • Reduces risk of land pollution and water pollution.
  • Helpful in ensuring food security.
  • Nutritional augmentation via bio-fortification.

Concerns:

  • Environment is a multi-variable thing and overall impact on ecosystem requires time for evaluation.
  • Risk on body and health is not fully studied.
  • Pest resistance as a construct needs to be evaluated.
  • Lack of R&D and high cost of diffusion of new technology.
  • Effect on food chain needs to be analyzed.

Therefore, despite its several promises, there are environmental and healthcare concerns that need to be addressed for successful and sustainable adoption.

Originally written on June 12, 2023 and last modified on October 27, 2024.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *