Potential use of nanotechnology in sustainable and ‘smart’ agriculture: advancements made in the last decade

Ever since mankind embraced technology, the largest number of inventions have been aimed at agricultural improvement, more than any other sectors where technology is used. Nonetheless, today we are struggling to meet the ever increasing hunger of a growing world population. We have almost exhausted the supply of traditional technological ammunitions in the arsenal of agricultural science. The only way forward is to embrace smart agricultural practice in a sustainable manner. Use of modern electronics and material science to increase production, without further increasing fertilizer or pesticide input, can be referred to as smart and sustainable agriculture. Scientists have made giant leaps in the field of ‘biology at nanoscale’ during the first decade of the present century. Nanoparticles and nanosensors have huge potential in agricultural advancements, if used wisely with proper caution. Nanoparticles can be used for getting higher yield and for crop protection. Nanoparticles can also aid in the rate limiting process of gene delivery during genetic improvement of crop species. Nanobiosensors can contribute to smart farming by growth monitoring, real time detection of pests, and continuous monitoring of local environment. In this review, we will update the readers with some of the advancements made in these directions during the last decade.