Nano Steps towards Climate Smart Agriculture
TerraGreen|May 2023
Nanotechnology may work at a small scale, but the minuscule size of nanomaterials belies their efficiency. Its deceptively small size is no measure of its impact. Little wonder then that the technology is being increasingly applied in agriculture to enhance efficacy and, importantly, to shrink the adverse impact of conventional chemical fertilizers on the environment and health. The TERI-Deakin Nanobiotechnology Centre has been working to evolve ways of effectively using nanobiotechnology to provide sustainable agriculture solutions. In this ‘In Conversation’ section, Dr Pushplata Singh, Senior Fellow, Centre of Excellence in Agri-nanotechnology, TERI, talks to Palak Khanna from the Communications Team, TERI, about the incisive role the technology can play in the fields of agriculture and beyond.
Palak Khanna
Nano Steps towards Climate Smart Agriculture

What is nanotechnology and what is the principle on which it works? 

Nanotechnology, as the name suggests, works at the nanoscale. The difference between a metre and a nanometre is 109. When the size of a material is reduced by such magnitude, there is a huge change at the surface-chemistry level, and the surface area-to-volume ratio increases significantly. The material becomes highly reactive when there is a gain in surface area over the volume. There are two important impacts of it; they become highly reactive and when used as crop macro or micronutrients, it increases the fertilizer uptake efficiency in plants by several folds. The other aspect is that their frequency of interaction with all biological surfaces increases, which influences safety to human health and the environment.

What are the nanotechnologies developed by TERI to help farmers with climate-smart farming techniques?

In TERI, we develop nanomaterials using a biogenic approach. Microbial organisms are tuned as bio-factories for converting bulk material into nanomaterials, which generally make all nanomaterials produced by TERI safe by design for human health and the environment. We are developing nanomaterials primarily for use in agriculture in the form of nano-fertilizers, nano-pesticides, and smart carriers. At the commercial level, TERI aims to launch some of the nanofertilizers in the second and the third quarter of the ongoing fiscal year 2023–24, and it will include nano-urea, nano-di-ammonium phosphate, and nano-phosphorus. At the research level, TERI is working towards fertilizers including nanoNPK, nano-sulphur, nanocomposite of zinc and iron, nano-boron, multiple nano-micronutrients; nano-pesticides including nano-copper and nano-sulphur; and nano-2,4 D as a weedicide.

Esta historia es de la edición May 2023 de TerraGreen.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición May 2023 de TerraGreen.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE TERRAGREENVer todo
Empowering Tomorrow's Workforce The Rise of Vocational Education in India
TerraGreen

Empowering Tomorrow's Workforce The Rise of Vocational Education in India

The young population in India presents both opportunities and challenges, as the workforce needs practical skills that conventional education often lacks. Vocational education and training VET) is essential to provide job-specific expertise, bridging the gap between academic knowledge and industry demands. In this article, Amarpreet Kaur and Vidhi Rani highlight that vocational education and training serve as a cornerstone in India’s efforts to propel economic growth and empower its burgeoning workforce. Vocational education and training are a fundamental component of modern education systems, addressing a pressing need in society. The alignment of VET with the G20 objectives emphasizes its crucial role in inclusive growth, employment, and human capital development.

time-read
5 minutos  |
May 2024
Eco-conscious and Sustainability-focused Brand Kheoni Paving the Way for a Greener Future
TerraGreen

Eco-conscious and Sustainability-focused Brand Kheoni Paving the Way for a Greener Future

\"If you really, truly are into sustainability, you cannot operate in isolation. You need to be transparent.\" -Khayal Garg, Green Warrior

time-read
4 minutos  |
May 2024
Water Sustainability Flexible approaches for managing and conserving water resources
TerraGreen

Water Sustainability Flexible approaches for managing and conserving water resources

In this article, Vijeta Thakur and Dr S K Bhardwaj discuss innovative technologies for water conservation along with urban water management solutions. They also explore policy and governance approaches regarding water conservation. Implementing Integrated Water Resource Management IWRM) helps coordinate the management of water resources across different sectors and stakeholders, balancing competing demands and ensuring sustainable use. Developing transparent and equitable water allocation systems, coupled with appropriate pricing mechanisms that reflect the true value of water, can incentivize conservation and efficient use while ensuring access for all.

time-read
5 minutos  |
May 2024
Lady Banks' Rose A Lady's Shady Rose
TerraGreen

Lady Banks' Rose A Lady's Shady Rose

The world may have been having an irate look towards China, cursing her for COVID-19 virus, assertions in South China Sea, and her alleged expansionist policies and so on. Whether she really deserves these insinuations may be a matter of academic discussions; there however, is no denying to the fact that the old Dragon has bestowed the world with things beautiful enough to capture anybody's attention

time-read
3 minutos  |
May 2024
The Vanishing Bristled Grassbird
TerraGreen

The Vanishing Bristled Grassbird

In this article, Dr Surya Prakash tells us about the bristled grassbird, known scientifically as Chaetornis striatus. Endemic to the Indian subcontinent, the bristled grassbird finds itself perilously perched on the brink of endangerment, classified as a‘Vulnerable Species’ by the IUCN since 2010. The relentless decline in its population can be attributed primarily to habitat loss. Keep reading to know more...

time-read
2 minutos  |
May 2024
Embracing Climate Disclosure Governance India's Banking Sector's Resilient Step
TerraGreen

Embracing Climate Disclosure Governance India's Banking Sector's Resilient Step

With the introduction of the Disclosure Framework on Climate-related Financial Risks 2024)’ by RBI, it is quite apparent that the banking sector is continuously striving towards sustainability and climate sensitization. The new framework evolves the narrative, acknowledging the inevitability of climate change affecting these entities and, consequently, the broader financial stability. The framework not only acts as a means to inform the various stakeholders about climate-related issues but also to develop a narrative of financial resilience in the face of unprecedented challenges related to climate risks. Naman Mishra and Dr Megha Jain say that the framework is built upon four main pillars—Governance, Strategy, Risk Management, and Metrics Targets. Keep reading to know more...

time-read
3 minutos  |
May 2024
India's Carbon Market On the Verge of Reality
TerraGreen

India's Carbon Market On the Verge of Reality

In this article, Yukta Anand and Prof. Asheesh Pandey throw light on carbon market, which is soon going to be a reality for India.

time-read
6 minutos  |
May 2024
Water Equation India and the Nordics
TerraGreen

Water Equation India and the Nordics

The Nordic countries, known for their commitment to sustainable development and environmental protection, offer invaluable knowledge and technologies to improve water management practices. From state-of-the-art water purification systems to sustainable irrigation techniques, Nordic expertise provides crucial tools to mitigate the effects of climate change on water resources. In this thought-provoking article, Biba Jasmine discusses that by utilizing the expertise and cutting-edge technologies from the Nordic region, Indian industries can enhance their water management systems, reduce pollution, and increase resource efficiency.

time-read
10 minutos  |
May 2024
Charging towards Sustainability The Circular Revolution of EV Battery Recycling
TerraGreen

Charging towards Sustainability The Circular Revolution of EV Battery Recycling

Ankit Sharma is the Co-Founder & Director, Vidyuta Materials Pvt. Ltd., which stands at the forefront of innovation in the energy storage industry, pioneering the manufacturing of cutting-edge battery materials for the batteries used in energy storage systems (ESS), electric vehicles (EVS), mobiles, laptops, etc.

time-read
5 minutos  |
May 2024
The Magic of Traditional Indian Barbeque Strengthening local economy and sustainability
TerraGreen

The Magic of Traditional Indian Barbeque Strengthening local economy and sustainability

Manu Shrivastava's article highlights the traditional dishes of South Gujarat and Maharashtra's Konkan region-ubadiyu, undhiyu, and popti.

time-read
7 minutos  |
May 2024