Can there be any precise application of nanotechnology on agriculture ever? Well, a number of acclaimed scientists at the Indian Statistical Institute, Giridih centre, India are hopeful in this regard and according to them, if everything goes well, there may be the generation of interesting results. What has led to the initiation of this project? India has been witnessing serious plights in the domain of agriculture and it is also being realized that chemical fertilizers and pesticides are harmful to the ecology. However something must be done to save the agricultural basis of this vast country. Each of these factors has made the Union ministry of science and technology sanction a fund for the research development programme of agro-enterotoxic nano-particles and its uses.

The project, with an estimated budget of Rs 126.51 lakh for a period of 3 years, was commenced in October, 2008 and is in the initial phase still. What have been the reactions of involved scientists? They are found to be highly optimistic and are confident to use nanotechnology to reduce the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers without changing the production-level. The key persons involved in the project include Somesh Bhattacharya, a nanotechnology expert, Dr Arunava Goswami of ISI, Giridih, geologist Dr Ronen Sen and ecologist professor Ratan Lal Barahamchari.

What led to the selection of Giridih? According to experts, the region is known for its virgin soil and environment and that has made Giridih an excellent choice for studying the effects of nano particles on plants. The same view has also been expressed by Dr Bhattacharya. He said, “The use of fertilizers and pesticides is very low or close to nil here, in comparison to soils of Bengal and Bangalore, where similar research programmes are being conducted.” “One group is working in India, at present. We are focused on nano technology and its effect in agriculture,” said Bhattacharya. “Soon we would also work on nano particles and its effect on animals.”