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International Conference on

Recent Trends in Environmental Sustainability

ESCON22/NMsB/22
Nanotechnology boon for sustainable agriculture and environment

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Sattara Naz , Khubaib Firdous
1 Department of Zoology, United College Darbar Hazrat Sultan Baho affiliated with GCUF
Correspondence: nazmalik512@gmail.com
Abstract

Pakistan's economy is largely dependent on agriculture sector as it accounts for 18.9% of GDP
and a major source of foreign trade. The agricultural crises reasoned by number of factors in
Pakistan have undoubtedly taken a great damage to the economy. For instance, traditional
methods of farming, mainly damage one-third of crop via increased use of fertilizers,
demanding cultivation, microbial attacks, pest infestation, conventional soil management
practices, poor soil quality, and improper use of irrigation water and lesser nutrient availability.
In order to overcome these crises, more advanced technology is needed to solve these problems.
In this regard, nanotechnology is an emerging hope for the agriculture and environment
sustainability. Among the latest paradigm of science and technology, nanotechnology has
found significant differences in its effects. There are many sectors in agriculture where
nanotechnology can be used to maximize benefits: improving the profile and efficiency of
nutrient through nanoscale delivery systems; nano-genetic engineering research at molecular
level; scrutiny and control of diseases and pests via nanoscale carriers (responsible for
excellent insertion of pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, and plant growth regulators); reduction
of pollutants from water and soil. Nanotechnology-based delivery systems could also help to
minimize intensity of labour, and reduce waste and emissions to environment. Nanotechnology
also helps for sustainable development by production of fuels from biomas, specialty
chemicals, catalysts and chemical intermediates so that they are economically viable and
reduce production costs. This review article mainly highlights the contribution of
nanotechnology and its role as a boon in the agricultural sector and for the betterment of nation's
economy.

Keywords: sustainable, soil management practices, nanotechnology

Department of Environmental Sciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Vehari Campus

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