Nanotechnology and Nanoparticles for High Altitude Agro-ecosystem and Environmental Sustainability

High-altitude agro-ecosystems are widely distributed throughout the world. In the Indian subcontinent, Himalayan region represents the high-altitude ecosystems, which demand extensive management due to their increasing deterioration in recent times. The extremely low temperature, proneness to natural calamities, recurring floods, droughts, low soil moisture and fertility, high solar intensity impose constraints for sustenance of hill agriculture. To enhance crop productivity to sustain increasing population, hill farmers are using excessive amount of fertilizers and pesticides, which on leaching and runoff cause environmental pollution and toxicity to non-target species. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop innovative technology for enhancing agricultural productivity for improving the livelihood of hill farmers. One way to think of nanotechnology is as a technology that will pave the way for environmentally sustainable growth of agriculture and forestry in high-altitude regions in the coming years and thus implementing the nano-principles in agricultural practices can impart vast opportunity for dealing with global agricultural challenges. Nanoparticles may be employed as sensors for monitoring various agricultural parameters. The adoption of nano-based agrochemicals, ceramic apparatus, filters, and layering processes represents promising avenues for standardizing and enhancing agricultural practices, thereby transforming conventional agricultural approaches. The review provides insights into the present and prospective capabilities, viewpoints, and applications of nanotechnology in farming and environmental sciences.