Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur have developed a biodegradable nanoparticle that can be used as an alternative to chemical-based insecticides and help farmers protect their crops from bacterial and fungal infections.
A coined biodegradable carbonoid metabolite (BioDCM), the nanoparticle can remain active at low concentrations and be effective as insecticides without any negative effects on soil and consumer health. IIT Kanpur claims that it acts fast as it is applied in bioactive form and can withstand high temperatures.
According to IIT Kanpur, the nanoparticle has been developed in collaboration with C. Kannan and Divya Mishra of the ICAR-Indian Institute of Rice Research and R. Balamurugan and MO Mandal from the School of Chemistry, University of Hyderabad.
Abhay Karandikar, Director, IIT Kanpur explains, “The problems faced by the farmers are manifold, our efforts have also been tireless to enrich the entire farming ecosystem. Nanoparticles will reduce the worry of crop infestation and improve crop yield will lead to. .”
A June 2021 report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations states that every year farmers around the world lose up to 40% of crops from insects and diseases, resulting in an estimated $290 billion loss to the global economy. it happens.
IIT Kanpur has developed several solutions to increase crop yields and solve many problems affecting Indian agriculture. For example, in December 2021, the institute launched a soil testing instrument called Geo Tester, which can measure soil health in 90 seconds. It was developed to solve the problem of time taken for solid health testing through laboratories. Farmers usually have to wait for several days to get the results from the laboratories.
The use of natural products in organic farming and exported products is increasing. Given the biodegradable and non-harmful nature of the nanoparticles developed by IIT Kanpur, it can be expected to attract a lot of attention from farmers who want to cut down on the use of chemicals in farming, especially pesticides.
IIT Kanpur has been very active in creating solutions to solve problems at the grassroots level. At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the institute developed reusable masks, anti-viral nasal filters and oxygen concentrators. The institute filed 107 Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) in 2021, taking the total number of IPRs to 810.
Never miss a story! Stay connected and informed with Mint.
download
Our App Now!!
,