Nanotechnology in Agriculture: A Review on Precision Farming and Sustainable Crop Production

Agriculture is crucial for food security and safety, but agrochemical insufficiency in managing pest infestations leads to agrochemical overuse, reducing crop yields, escalating disease outbreaks, and dispersing resistant organisms. The Green Revolution led to inconsiderate usage of chemical synthetic pesticides and fertilizers resulting in low soil biodiversity and resistance to pests and pathogens. New research focuses on integrating pest-resistant genetically modified crops, climate-adaptive practices, and nano-pesticides, aiming to minimize pesticide usage and reduce harmful environmental impact. Nanotechnology offers a transformative potential for sustainable agriculture by enhancing pesticide delivery, precision farming, and crop productivity with negligible environmental impact. This technology offers the potential for developing environment-friendly, biocompatible, and intelligent insecticides that respond to ecological changes. Nanoparticles also supply materials to plants and generate sophisticated biosensors for precision farming. Conventional herbicides, insecticides, and fertilizers have been nanoencapsulated to aid in the gradual and continuous release of nutrients and agrochemicals. The targeted nanocarrier systems improve pesticide delivery, reducing environmental impact and pesticide resistance while ensuring minimal harm to the non-target organisms. Studies show nanoparticles like silver, zinc oxide, and silica as effective biocides, enhancing crop resilience and productivity. Nanotechnology has prospective in agriculture as a green and effective substitute, reducing environmental damage and improving pest control techniques. The related difficulties of nanotechnology in agriculture are also highlighted in this review, focusing on how it might help meet the demands of future food security and promote environment-friendly farming methods. The present review explores the application of nanotechnology in agriculture mainly focusing on precision farming and sustainable crop production. It also highlights its ability to enhance crop productivity, manage insect's population, improve soil health, and address environmental issues. However, limitations include its high manufacturing costs, regulatory deficiencies, and limited field-scale uses.