How does nanotechnology offer significant advancements in the field of agriculture? How can this technology help to uplift the socio-economic status of farmers?

GS 3

Science & Technology

2025

15 Marks

Nanotechnology applies materials sized 1–100 nm to enhance efficiency of agricultural inputs.

The Department of Biotechnology’s 2020 Guidelines classify such interventions as Nano-Agri Input Products (NAIPs) and Nano-Agri Products (NAPs). These innovations are reshaping crop production, protection, and food systems.

Nanotechnology in Agriculture – Advancements

Nano-fertilizers: These provide nutrients in a controlled and targeted way, improving efficiency and reducing wastage. They help crops absorb nitrogen, zinc, or iron more effectively, which means healthier growth with less chemical use. For instance, Nano-urea developed by IFFCO allows farmers to halve the amount of conventional urea they apply without losing yield.
Nano-pesticides and herbicides: These are designed to release their active ingredients slowly and steadily, ensuring longer protection against pests and weeds. This reduces the overall chemical load on the field and makes farming safer for soil and water. For example, copper and zinc nanopesticides have been shown to protect cotton and maize crops with fewer sprays.
Nano-biofertilizers and carriers: Nanocarriers are used to deliver beneficial microbes, pheromones, or growth regulators in a gradual manner. This improves soil health and ensures that the microbes remain active longer. Farmers using such inputs need to apply them less frequently, reducing labour costs.
Nanosensors: These tiny devices monitor soil nutrient levels, water stress, or pest infestations in real time. By warning farmers early about deficiencies or diseases, they prevent major crop losses. Paddy farmers, for example, can adjust fertiliser use as soon as nitrogen levels drop.
Food & Post-harvest Applications: Nanotechnology is also used after harvest, where nanocomposite packaging materials keep fruits and vegetables fresh for longer. This reduces spoilage during transport and storage, helping farmers secure better prices in distant markets.
Environmental Sustainability: By lowering chemical runoff and leaching, nano-inputs protect surrounding soils and water bodies. Using nano-biochar or metal oxide nanoparticles, farmers can also improve soil fertility and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Socio-Economic Upliftment of Farmers

Aspect	Explanation	Example
Higher Yields, Lower Costs	Small farmers often overuse urea to secure yields; nano-fertilisers reduce input requirement while maintaining productivity, saving money.	Nano-urea (IFFCO) halves conventional urea use without loss of yield.
Reduced Wastage	Precision release of nano-fertilisers and pesticides ensures efficient use, reducing unnecessary spraying and costs.	Cotton farmers can cut pesticide expenses while protecting crops effectively.
Better Market Value	Nano-packaging extends shelf life of perishables, reducing spoilage and enabling farmers to sell at better prices in urban markets.	Tomatoes and mangoes reach distant markets without losing quality.
Risk Reduction	Nanosensors give early warnings of nutrient deficiency or pest attack, preventing major crop losses and improving farmer confidence.	Paddy farmers adjust fertiliser use when nitrogen levels drop.
Sustainability & Policy Support	National guidelines ensure safe adoption and encourage grassroots usage, protecting the environment and reassuring farmers.	DBT’s 2020 guidelines and the National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture promote nano-inputs.
Employment & Skills	Nano-based agri supply chains create jobs for rural youth in input distribution, testing, and packaging.	Farmer cooperatives distribute nano-fertilisers, generating local income streams.

With nanosensors linked to AI tools, nano-based soil enhancers, and advanced packaging for exports, farmers could earn more and reduce risks. Strong policy support and training will help turn agriculture into a future-ready and competitive sector.

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