Nanobiotechnology for Agricultural Productivity, Food Security and Environmental Sustainability

Abstract

Achieving sustainable development is one of the key challenges at present and also foremost priority to attain food security for the increasing population. Enormous dependency on agrochemicals has devastated net crop yield and has caused irreparable damage to our ecosystem. A novel and environmentally benign technology that can aid in improved yield and crop protection is a need of hour. Nanobiotechnology offers possible solutions to several key constraints of agricultural production systems, which is evident from the recent research developments. Nanomaterials are often considered to be ‘smart delivery systems’ and exhibit unique and varied functions; therefore, nanoparticle-mediated plant genetic engineering, nanofertilizers, nanopesticides and nanosensors find potential applications in agricultural systems, which could substantially contribute to sustainable agriculture. However, continuous efforts are underway to understand their economic and environment feasibility for wide usage. In this chapter, novel developments and innovations in the nanobiotechnology with relevance to agricultural productivity, food security and environmental sustainability have been broadly outlined.