Prospects, challenges and need for regulation of nanotechnology with special reference to India

Abstract

To meet the challenges of food security in a sustainable way, technological intervention in agriculture is of prime importance. With the existing conventional technologies supporting high yield, better crop production and protection, the emphasis is now on use of nanotechnology. Exploring new applications of nanotechnology has gained momentum in recent years and has shown acceptance in sectors like food, medicine, chemistry etc. As compared to other sectors, the accepted role in agriculture can still be considered on the marginal side in terms of nanotechnology application. Nanotechnology offers a potential to open large scope of novel application in the fields of biotechnology and agricultural industries due to unique physicochemical properties. Nanoparticles can be used in herbicides, nano-pesticide, nano-fertilizers, or genes, which target specific cellular organelles in plant to release their content. It can potentially play an instrumental role in minimizing the application losses of agrochemicals due to their more stable emulsion, higher coverage on leaf surface, precision application, etc. Understanding that the conventional and macro-technologies in agriculture do not ensure sustainable food security and environmentally safe methods; the researchers are now inclined for more précised nanotechnology based applications. There is still a huge untapped potential of nanomaterials to be used a future technology in agriculture which remains to be explored. Besides offering potential benefits, there are high concerns about the potential challenges associated with nanoparticles. To address the safety concerns about nanoparticles, it is important that a strong regulation system should be developed. Presently, very few countries have started focusing on keeping nanoregulation on their agenda. It is very important for agricultural and biodiverse country like India to set up norms of use nanoregulation and bring nanotechnology on the safe technology net.