The application of nanotechnology (NT) is bringing about an enormous shift in the agricultural and environmental protection industries by providing innovative solutions to old problems. The most recent developments and related challenges in these fields' use of NT are summarised in this review article. Nanotechnology has revolutionized precision farming in the agricultural sector. These nanoproducts help improve soil and plant health, which increases crop output while decreasing chemical inputs. Nano-pesticides and nano-fertilizers reduce resource waste and environmental pollution by improving the efficiency and targeted delivery of pest control chemicals and nutrients. Nanomaterials find application in water filtration, air quality monitoring, and cleanup of polluted areas in the field of environmental protection. Adsorbents and catalysts with a nanostructure allow for the removal of organic impurities, heavy metals, and pollutants with less energy consumption and more efficiency than conventional approaches. Despite these encouraging developments, there are still several challenges to overcome before NT may be fully utilized in farming and protecting the environment. Some important concerns with nanoparticles are their potential toxicity to both people and non-target organisms, the absence of thorough regulatory frameworks, and the necessity for substantial research into the environmental implications of nanomaterials over time. There are a lot of obstacles to the widespread use of nanotechnology, such as the high price tag and the difficulty of increasing manufacturing volumes. To overcome these obstacles and guarantee the safe and sustainable utilization of nanotechnology's benefits, scientists, legislators, and industry stakeholders must work together across disciplines. In this review article, we see how nanotechnology might revolutionize our future by making it more sustainable. Still, we also see how important it is to deal with the hazards and regulatory obstacles that come with NT.

Millets are a diverse group of small-seeded grasses that have served as staple cereal crops in many parts of Asia and Africa for thousands of years. The major millets include finger millet, foxtail millet, pearl millet, proso millet, barnyard millet, little millet, and kodo millet. Millets are highly resilient crops that can thrive in arid zones and marginal farming conditions where rainfall is limited. As climate change increases drought pressures globally, millets are gaining renewed interest for their adaptability. Millets also possess highly favorable nutritional attributes. The grains are rich in protein with balanced amino acids, dietary fiber, polyphenols, vitamins, and essential minerals such as iron, zinc and calcium. The majority of millets have a low glycemic index, which helps regulate blood glucose levels. These properties give millets functional advantages over more commonly consumed cereals such as wheat and rice. This review provides a detailed analysis of the proximate composition, nutritional profile, and potential health benefits of major millets. Evidence from animal studies and clinical trials regarding the role of millets in diabetes management, cardiovascular health, cancer prevention, gut health, anemia reduction, and bone health are examined. Millets appear beneficial for weight management and obesity control Research also indicates promising avenues for millets in gluten-free diets, enhancing nutrition security for the poor, and addressing malnutrition concerns globally. However, more human studies on bioavailability, optimal dosages, food product development, and farming practices are warranted to further realize the immense potential of these “Smart Foods”. In conclusion, millets are climate-smart, nutrient-dense grains that can play a pivotal role in holistic approaches to tackle food insecurity, malnutrition, and the escalating rates of chronic diseases worldwide. Their diverse nutritional and therapeutic properties warrant the resurrection of millets as invaluable crops for the present and future.

Sustainable techniques are crucial to ensuring the availability of nourishing food while reducing environmental effects due to the growing global population and increasing demand for agricultural resources. By utilizing nanomaterials and nanodevices to improve crop yield, resource efficiency, and pest management, nanotechnology offers creative solutions. The chapter covers the potential advantages of nanotechnology in agriculture, including the precise pest control abilities of nanopesticides and the controlled-release qualities of nanofertilizers to enhance nutrient delivery and use. Additionally, it emphasizes the use of nanosensors for continuous assessment of crop health and environmental factors, as well as nanoscale imaging methods for early disease detection and treatment. Resource efficiency, precision agriculture, waste reduction, and improved food security are made possible by the integration of nanotechnology into agriculture. However, it also highlights how crucial it is to address the safety, moral, and legal issues raised by the application of nanotechnology in farming.

Excessive conventional tillage can degrade important aspects of soil quality and health over time. Strategic tillage offers a focused solution to address priority soil limitations with minimal disturbance. This chapter reviews the current science on how strategic tillage affects key soil physical, chemical, and biological factors relevant to soil function and crop yields. In contrast, strategic tillage involves the targeted, occasional, and shallow use of tillage equipment to address specific observed soil constraints without general field disruption. Potential advantages of strategic tillage discussed include improved soil structure, increased infiltration and rooting depth, better incorporation of amendments, disruption of compaction, enhanced soil biological activity and carbon storage, increased nutrient availability, and improved crop yields. To minimize disturbance and maintain soil function, strategic tillage should be integrated with other conservation practices like cover crops and crop rotation. Criteria for selecting appropriate tillage equipment and practices based on crop, soil, and climate factors are explored. Ongoing site-specific evaluation and refinement of strategic tillage practices using crop yields and soil analysis is emphasized. Despite needing more research, strategic tillage shows promise as a precise soil management approach that maximizes productivity and resilience while balancing periodic focused tillage with principles of soil health.

Nanotechnology brings new prospects to increase food quality and safety through nano-enabled delivery systems, nanosensors, smart packaging and processing assistance. Nanomaterials display unique features at the 1-100 nanometer range that surpass constraints of classic breeding and detection methods. Iron, zinc, and vitamin A nano-encapsulates and nanoparticles can boost crops through tailored nutritional delivery. Nanosensors and smart packaging with antimicrobial nanoparticle coatings offer rapid, ultrasensitive pathogen and toxin detection while enhancing food stability. Nano-filters utilizing photocatalysts remove pollutants from agricultural water. However, the putative hazards from nanoparticle toxicity and accumulation require continuous investigation. Regulations and public acceptance factors are also crucial for sustainable progress. If developed properly, nanotechnologies can considerably boost food security through augmented micronutrition, antibacterial capabilities, and safety monitoring from production to consumption. Request access from your librarian to read this chapter's full text.