How nanotechnology can aid in development of agriculture?

Nanotechnology refers to the manipulation of matter on an atomic, molecular, and supramolecular scale.  The application of nanomaterial’s in agriculture include plant protection products, minimize nutrient losses in fertilization, and increase yields through optimized nutrient management.
Nanotechnology can be used to:
Crop disease detection
Nanotechnology devices and tools like nanocapsules, nanoparticles and viral capsids can be used for the detection and treatment of diseases.
Nutrient management
Nanotechnology devices can be used for the enhancement of nutrients absorption by plants, the delivery of active ingredients to specific sites and water treatment processes. The use of target-specific nanoparticles can reduce the damage to non-target plant tissues and the amount of chemicals released into the environment.
Nanosensors
Nanostructures with unique chemical, physical, and mechanical properties like electrochemically active carbon nanotubes, nanofibers and fullerene can be used for soil analysis, easy bio-chemical sensing and control, water management and delivery, pesticide and nutrient delivery.
Food management
Nanotechnology can aid in smart packaging to monitor the freshness properties of food, and check the integrity of the packages during transport, storage, and display in markets. It eases the quality management process.
As the climate change is posing serious challenges for the agriculture, there is a need to switch to precision farming. Nanotechnology holds the key for precision farming.

Topics: GS-III: E-Technology in the Aid of Farmers