Department of Microbiology, Bhaskaracharya College of Applied Sciences,

University of Delhi, Dwarka, New Delhi- 110075, India.

Although the scientific studies on the applications of nanotechnology in the agriculture are less than a decade old yet the prospects of nanotechnology in this field are considerable. The rapid developments in the nanosciences have a great impact on agricultural practices and food manufacturing industries. Nanotechnology has an enormous potential to offer smarter, stronger, cost-effective packaging materials, biosensors for the rapid detection of the food pathogens, toxins and other contaminants or food adulterants. It is also plays an important role in developing new generation of pesticides with the safe carriers, preservation and packaging of food and food additives, strengthening of natural fibre, removal of various contaminants from the soil and water bodies by using functionalized nanoparticles and improving the shelf-life of the vegetables, flowers and fruits. In spite of the above mentioned immense uses, the competency is being exhibited in some of success business models in developing nanotechnology based products. The safety and regulatory concerns of the application of nanotechnology for human beings, environments and ecosystems are required to be debated, particularly in the developing countries. There are few potential points of direct human exposure to nanomaterials along with the agri-food chains (from the worker to the consumers), and the threat of the possibility of the nanoparticles reaching the non-targeted sites which can also pose health and environments problems. Keeping in mind all the above benefits and risks associated with nanotechnology, an effective risk management strategy should be followed in parallel to the technological developments or advancements. Moreover, a stable governance model system should be adopted during the entire process (from production to consumption) of nanomaterials with continuous interactions and involvement of all the stakeholders.

Keywords: Agricultural products, biosensors, nanosensors, nanotechnology, smart dusts, quantum dots