Nano technology in sustainable agriculture: A step to turn around Indian rural economy

Presently the perception of sustainability has been dominant in the field of agriculture. Sustainable agriculture means economical agriculture by following the practices which are eco-friendly. This results in increasing the attention of the stakeholders for monitoring as well as evaluating the practices being used in agriculture. It is realized that there are many limitations to creating a commonly accepted term for sustainable agriculture. So many opinions are there with reference to the realization of sustainable agriculture. In this work, we present the concept of sustainable agriculture and the methods as well as practices that are economically feasible, eco-friendly and shield public health. A special attention is given towards the use of nanotechnology for sustainable agriculture. As such, most of the rural people, particularly the young generation, are not interested in farming as there is no certainty in the output and if at all output becomes favorable, getting the appropriate price is a point of concern. Existing farmers in India are using fertilizers and pesticides which are not cost-effective owing to the price and usage of improper quantum. Moreover, they are also becoming the main source of pollution and health hazards. The dual problem of the usage of fertilizers and pesticides can be addressed by nanoscience by way of providing nanomaterials like nano fertilizers and nano pesticides having better potential to perform. The use of nano fertilizers like N, P, K, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Mo and carbon nanotubes facilitates more efficiency as they stand for enhanced action and targeted delivery efficiency. Similarly, the use of nano pesticides like Ag, Cu, SiO2, ZnO and nano formulations also has the potential for escalated performance as compared to traditional pesticides. Considering the potential of the nanomaterials, this paper is highlighting how nano fertilizers and nano pesticides can help the Indian agriculture to be sustainable. For this purpose, existing literature has been the base. Similarly, this paper also unfolds the level of acceptability of nanomaterials by the Indian farmers which have been ascertained by way of personal interaction with 100 farmers of Odisha. It is inferred that, with the immense potential of the nanomaterials and the positive perception of Odisha farmers on them, Indian agriculture can be sustainable with the help of nanotechnology. It is a fact that sustainable agriculture can turn the Indian rural economy around.