NANO MATERIAL

TAG: GS-3: ECONOMIC

CONTEXT: Mechanically stable, biodegradable and hydrophobic nanocoating materials, especially those based on nano clay-reinforced binary carbohydrates, provide a promising solution for enhancing nutrient use efficiency in chemical fertilizers.

EXPLANATION:

What are Nanomaterials?

• Nanomaterials are materials with at least one dimension measuring 100 nanometres or less. They can be solid particles, tubes, rods, or fibers, and can be made from any element.
• Nano-material coating developed by scientists from the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST) can increase the efficiency of fertilisers by slowing down their release.
• Scientists from INST coated muriate of potash (KCl), which serves 80% of potassium fertilizer needs, with binary carbohydrates, namely, chitosan and lignin using anionic clay as a reinforcement agent that favours stable coordination bonds.
• Since the last 50 years, as part of the green revolution, frequent chemical fertilizer input practices have been used to maintain soil nutrients so that higher plant productivity can be achieved. The frequent and excessive application poses risks to global sustainable development. Therefore, researchers are constantly on the lookout for ways to use fertilisers more efficiently.
• INST’s BK Sahu, K Swami, N Kapoor, An Agrawal, S Kataria, P Sharma, P. Kundu, H. Thangavel, A. Vattakkuniyil, O. P. Chaurasia and V. Shanmugam used drum rotor method to coat the fertilizer in a uniform manner and improve the use efficiency. The nanomaterials used for the uniform coating were nature-derived low-cost materials like nano-clay, chitosan, starch and so on.
• Nanomaterials are a product of nanotechnology, which is the design and production of objects at the nanoscale:
  • Large surface area: This can lead to new chemical and physical properties, such as increased catalytic activity and improved solubility.
  • Tuneable properties: Nanomaterials can have their electronic properties tuned by size.
  • Superior performance: Nanomaterials can perform better than their bulk counterparts.

Nanomaterials have many potential applications, including:

• Healthcare: Nanomaterials are used in drug delivery and protein assays. 

• • Nanomaterials can be used to deliver drugs to diseased cells while avoiding side effects.
• Agriculture: Nanomaterials can help with disease detection and management, precision farming, and improved food quality and safety.
  • The coating minimizes fertilizer interaction with soil, water, and microbes.
  • It allows for a lower recommended fertilizer dose while maintaining enhanced crop production.

• Electronics: Nanomaterials are used in transistors and batteries.
• Textiles: Nanomaterials are used in consumer products. 
• Paints and coatings: Nanomaterials are used in paints and coatings.
• Food technology: Nanomaterials are used in food technology.
• Telecommunications: Nanomaterials are used in telecommunications.
• Space exploration: Nanomaterials are used in space exploration.

• Potential Applications: The technology offers a potential alternative to conventional fertilizers, improving nutrient use efficiency and reducing input costs.

Nanomaterials can be used in different applications such as in medicine, electronic devices, sunscreens, military applications, photovoltaic cells, paints, catalysts, etc.

Impact of nanomaterials on farmers and economy:

Nanomaterials, with their tiny dimensions and unique properties, offer transformative potential in agriculture and can have a significant impact on both farmers and the broader economy.

Macroeconomic Impact

• Increased Agricultural Exports: Higher-quality and better-preserved produce can make agricultural exports more competitive, positively impacting the national economy.
• Boost in R&D Investments: Growing interest in nanomaterials encourages investment in R&D, fostering technological advancements and supporting the innovation-driven growth of the agricultural sector.

Enhanced Crop Productivity

• Nanofertilizers and Nano-pesticides: Nanofertilizers and nano-pesticides allow for precise delivery and slow release of nutrients and pesticides, minimizing waste and ensuring that plants get the nutrients they need. This increases crop yield and quality, boosting income for farmers.
• Water Use Efficiency: Nanomaterials can improve water retention in soil, enabling more efficient water usage and helping crops survive in water-scarce areas, thereby supporting crop productivity.

Reduced Environmental Impact:

• Targeted Applications: By targeting specific pests or plant deficiencies, nanomaterials reduce the need for large quantities of chemical pesticides and fertilizers, leading to reduced environmental degradation and soil health preservation.
• Lower Pollution Levels: Reduced reliance on conventional pesticides and fertilizers translates to decreased pollution in soil and water sources, fostering long-term agricultural sustainability.

Improved Post-Harvest Management

• Nano-sensors: These sensors can monitor storage conditions, detect spoilage, and ensure quality control, aiding in timely sales and reducing economic losses from spoiled products.

Boost to Rural Economy

• Increased Farm Profitability: Enhanced crop productivity, reduced input costs, and better post-harvest management result in higher profitability for farmers, which can invigorate rural economies and increase income levels in farming communities.
• Job Creation in Nanotech: As the demand for nanotechnology in agriculture grows, so will the need for skilled workers, from researchers and developers to quality assurance and distribution personnel, boosting employment in related sectors.

Challenges and Risks

• Cost and Accessibility: High costs of nanomaterials might limit their accessibility for small-scale and marginal farmers unless subsidies or financing options are provided.
• Health and Environmental Risks: While nanotechnology has benefits, the potential health impacts and environmental effects of nanoparticles are still under study. Regulatory frameworks are required to ensure the safe application of nanomaterials.

Conclusion

Nanomaterials have the potential to revolutionize agriculture by enhancing productivity, improving resource efficiency, and boosting farmers’ income. However, realizing these benefits will require balanced policy support, affordability, safety assurances, and sustainable development practices. As such, nanotechnology could be a cornerstone of modern, economically viable, and sustainable agriculture.

Source:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2072407