Nanotechnology for Sustainable Agriculture

The chapter delves into the burgeoning field of nanotechnology and its transformative potential in sustainable agriculture. With increasing challenges in resource efficiency, environmental impact mitigation and food security, nanotechnology presents innovative solutions through nanopesticides, nanofertilisers, nanofungicides, nanoherbicides and nanosensors. These applications enhance crop health, improve nutrient utilisation, reduce soil toxicity and offer precision in agricultural practices. The chapter explores various methods for nanoparticle generation, their role in smart agricultural inputs and the significance of comprehensive toxicity assessments. It emphasises the importance of nanotechnology in addressing global agricultural challenges, particularly in developing nations, while highlighting the need for further advancements in process design, risk assessment and regulatory frameworks to exploit its potential fully.