Public Perception About Use of Nanotechnology in Agriculture

Abstract Nanotechnology is perceived as a promising technology with tremendous potential to produce a new range of products in agriculture. The application of nanotechnology in agro chemicals, biotechnology, biosensors, and other areas has opened an arena of new markets in the world. Research on nanotechnology indicates that it has tremendous potential in increasing the efficiency of products. It can offer a wide range of products in agriculture in an affordable price range for resource-poor farmers. Lowering cost of cultivation can help to enhance the food accessibility to the poorest of the poor. With the rapid expansion of nanoscience based research and development consumers are more exposed to the nanomaterial, but their potential effects on human health and environment are still unknown. There has been a rising concern about probable consequences of intensive and extensive use of nanomaterials worldwide. Under this circumstance, before promoting the technology in the agricultural sector it is crucial to know how the consumers, starting from underdeveloped to developed countries, are prepared to use nanotech products in their daily food materials. Awareness among the public about nano products is mixed. Particularly in developing countries, how many of the resource-poor population have proactively understood the knowledge about nano products and its potentials? How many of them are prepared for the adoption of this technology? This chapter has critically examined the educational awareness about the technology, scope of adoption, perception of consumers, preparedness of government and regulatory bodies to magnify the benefits and at the same time the mechanism to minimize the risks.