Nano-agrochemicals: Economic Potential and Future Trends

Abstract

Nano-agrochemical is an amalgamation of nanotechnology and agrochemicals, which has resulted in the production of nano-fertilizers, nano-herbicides, nano-fungicides, nano-pesticides, and nano-insecticides. Nowadays, these nano-agrochemicals have gained popularity due to their greater effectiveness compared to conventional agrochemicals thereby making them economically viable and eco-friendly. Besides, nano-agrochemicals owing to their enormous benefits in agriculture have helped the farmers economically by increasing the yield of crops both qualitatively and quantitatively, thereby substituting synthetic fertilizers and pesticides in order to maximize the output and conserve the input which leads to economic prosperity. Thus, it can be inferred that this technology will be leading in principal markets with escalated investments and innovation. However, nano-agrochemicals are still in their infancy and are facing obstruction to reach the farmers and the possible reasons being greater production cost, lack of awareness among farmers, impact on environment, humans, and so on. In near future, novel agro-formulations like organic based nano-materials with greater benefits are believed to transform and upgrade agriculture to a greater extent across the world. In this chapter the authors will discuss about the economic importance and future trends of the nano-agrochemicals.