Nanobiotechnology in Agriculture: An Approach Towards Sustainability

Agriculture is the backbone of developing nations, but it faces enormous challenges such as land degradation, reduced soil fertility, shrinking land, low production yield, water accessibility, and a dearth of labor. Green revolution revolutionized the agriculture sector by enhancing the yield, but it was not considered a sustainable approach. Nano-biotechnology has emerged as a promising tool to tackle these problems, such as enhancing crop yield, rejuvenating soil health, providing precision farming, and stimulating plant growth. It is estimated that joining cutting-edge nanotechnology in agribusiness would push the worldwide monetary development to approximately US$ 3.4 trillion by 2020, indicating how agri-nanobiotechnology plays a pivotal role in the agricultural sector without any negative impact on the environment or other regulatory issues of biosafety.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 229 pages
Publication date: 29 May 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Agriculture is considered the backbone of developing nations, as it directly and indirectly caters to the needs of the people. However, the global agriculture sector currently faces numerous challenges, including land degradation, reduced soil fertility, shrinking land, low production yield, water accessibility, and a lack of labor due to the evacuation of individuals from farming. Additionally, the global population is increasing at an exponential rate, and it is predicted that the global population will reach 9 billion by 2050, leading to a food crisis in the near future. While the Green Revolution revolutionized the agriculture sector by enhancing yield, it was not considered a sustainable approach. The excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides to boost crop yield is not convenient for agriculture sustainability, as these chemicals are considered double-edged swords. On the one hand, they enhance crop yield, but on the other hand, they possess deleterious effects on soil microflora and decline soil fertility. Furthermore, they cause irreversible damage to soil texture and disrupt the equilibrium in the food chain across ecosystems, which may lead to genetic mutations in future generations of consumers. Thus, the increased dependence on fabricated agricultural additives during and post the Green Revolution has raised serious issues regarding sustainability, environmental impact, and health hazards.

In response to these challenges, nano-biotechnology has emerged as a promising tool to address them, particularly in the agriculture sector. Nano-agribusiness is an emerging field that aims to enhance crop yield, rejuvenate soil health, provide precision farming, and stimulate plant growth. Nano-biotechnology is an essential tool in the fight against these challenges.

Land degradation is a significant issue in global agriculture, as it leads to reduced soil fertility and productivity. Soil erosion, caused by factors such as deforestation, overgrazing, and improper agricultural practices, can result in the loss of topsoil, reduced soil organic matter, and increased soil salinity. This can lead to decreased crop yields, reduced soil biodiversity, and increased vulnerability to pests and diseases.

One approach to addressing land degradation is through the use of nano-biotechnology. Nanoparticles, such as clay particles and fullerenes, can be used to enhance soil fertility by improving soil structure, increasing soil water-holding capacity, and reducing soil erosion. For example, clay particles can be used to bind soil particles together, reducing soil erosion and improving soil structure. Fullerenes can also be used to enhance soil fertility by providing a source of carbon and nutrients to soil microorganisms, which can improve soil fertility and productivity.

Reduced soil fertility is another challenge facing global agriculture. Soil fertility can be affected by various factors, such as nutrient depletion, pH imbalances, and the presence of harmful chemicals. Nano-biotechnology can be used to address these issues by providing targeted solutions. For example, nano-encapsulation technology can be used to deliver nutrients to crops in a controlled and targeted manner, reducing nutrient loss and improving crop yields. Nano-fertilizers can also be used to improve soil fertility by providing a source of nutrients in a targeted and efficient manner.

Shrinking land is a significant challenge facing global agriculture, as it reduces the available land for cultivation and increases the competition for land resources. Nano-biotechnology can be used to address this challenge by developing new crop varieties that are more resistant to pests and diseases, require less water and fertilizer, and can grow in smaller spaces. For example, nano-encapsulation technology can be used to protect crops from pests and diseases, reducing the need for pesticides and fertilizers.

Low production yield is another challenge facing global agriculture, as it reduces the amount of food that can be produced per hectare of land. Nano-biotechnology can be used to address this challenge by developing new crop varieties that are more resistant to pests and diseases, require less water and fertilizer, and have higher yields. For example, nano-encapsulation technology can be used to protect crops from pests and diseases, reducing the need for pesticides and fertilizers.

Water accessibility is a significant challenge facing global agriculture, as it affects the availability of water for cultivation and irrigation. Nano-biotechnology can be used to address this challenge by developing new crop varieties that are more drought-resistant, require less water for cultivation, and have higher yields. For example, nano-encapsulation technology can be used to protect crops from pests and diseases, reducing the need for pesticides and fertilizers.

A lack of labor is a significant challenge facing global agriculture, as it affects the ability to cultivate and harvest crops. Nano-biotechnology can be used to address this challenge by developing new crop varieties that are more resistant to pests and diseases, require less labor for cultivation, and have higher yields. For example, nano-encapsulation technology can be used to protect crops from pests and diseases, reducing the need for pesticides and fertilizers.

In addition to these challenges, the global population is increasing at an exponential rate, leading to a demand for more food. This increased demand for food is putting pressure on agricultural systems, leading to increased greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water pollution. Nano-biotechnology can be used to address these issues by developing new crop varieties that are more sustainable, require less land and water, and have lower greenhouse gas emissions. For example, nano-encapsulation technology can be used to protect crops from pests and diseases, reducing the need for pesticides and fertilizers.

Furthermore, the increased dependence on fabricated agricultural additives during and post the Green Revolution has raised serious issues regarding sustainability, environmental impact, and health hazards. Nano-biotechnology can be used to address these issues by developing new crop varieties that are more sustainable, require less land and water, and have lower greenhouse gas emissions. For example, nano-encapsulation technology can be used to protect crops from pests and diseases, reducing the need for pesticides and fertilizers.

In conclusion, nano-biotechnology has emerged as a promising tool to address the numerous challenges facing global agriculture. Nano-agribusiness is an emerging field that aims to enhance crop yield, rejuvenate soil health, provide precision farming, and stimulate plant growth. By using nano-biotechnology, we can develop new crop varieties that are more resistant to pests and diseases, require less water and fertilizer, and have higher yields. This can help to address the challenges of land degradation, reduced soil fertility, shrinking land, low production yield, water accessibility, and a lack of labor, leading to a more sustainable and food-secure future.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030399801
Edition number: 1st ed. 2020