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  • Publication | 2026
Nanobiotechnology: A promise for sustainable agriculture ensuring food security
Global Food and Nutrition Security

Highlights:

  • Reduced food production, hunger, and food insecurity is a global challenge.
  • Nanobiotechnology has helped in sustainable and precision agriculture.
  • Nano-formulations and smart delivery systems increases productivity.
  • Nanobiosensors can monitor soil health and its conditions.
  • Nanosystems eventually cause less environmental harm, fulfilling SDG2 goals.

Abstract:

A growing global population and shrinking arable land have intensified the need for eco-friendly and innovative strategies that can enhance agricultural productivity. The advent of Nanobiotechnology (an amalgamation of nanotechnology with biological systems) offers transformative solutions to the grave issues of food insecurity, climate change, and environmental degradation. It has revolutionized present-day agriculture/farming by providing effective tools and sustainable methodologies to improve soil health and increase productivity. The smart delivery systems for pesticides and fertilizers envisage precision agriculture and exhibit minimal impact on the environment. Nanomaterials like nanofertilizers, nanopesticides, nanocarriers, and nanobiosensors deliver targeted action, reduce overuse of chemicals, and mitigate ecosystem contamination. Nanoencapsulation of agrochemicals (nano-biofertilizers and nano-pesticides) has increased their efficacy and bioavailability. Moreover, nanobiotechnological advances have also resulted in the genetic-modification of crops, early detection of disease, preservation of agricultural produce, and improved soil health. All these advantages have contributed significantly to increasing agricultural productivity, ensuring food security, and enriching the nutritional value of the crop. However, biosafety assessments, sustainable development, and policy frameworks are necessary to harness its maximum potential and minimize risks to health and the environment.