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.

Topics: GS-III: E-Technology in the Aid of Farmers • GS-III: Technology Missions • GS-III: Recent Developments in It Space Computers Robotics Nano Technology Bio Technology • GS-III: Indigenization of Technology and Developing New Technology