Potential Applications and Avenues of Nanotechnology in Sustainable Agriculture

Abstract

With the increase in the world population, there is an increasing need to develop strategies for sustainable agriculture to increase the production of food and other products. People living in developing countries face problems related to food scarcity on a daily basis, whereas in developed countries there is a food surplus. The science of nanotechnology can alter the entire situation of food shortage by enhancing plant growth and the present agricultural status by developing novel tools and techniques to minimalize production inputs and maximize outputs for sustainable agricultural development. Furthermore, nanotechnological products such as nanobiosensors, environment friendly natural polymers, nanopesticides, nanofoods, etc. can be utilized effectively to increase crop productivity and yield. However, nanotechnology offers a considerable likelihood of developing innovative systems and applications and it is apparent that the number of products and production volumes encompassing nanotechnology will increase in the near future. In light of this, this chapter will highlight the key aspects of nanotechnology-based plant productivity, highlighting current research in the agrifood industry and what future impacts these may have. © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.