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4Biodegradable nanoparticle developed by IIT Kanpur

  • Posted By
    10Pointer
  • Categories
    Science & Technology
  • Published
    5th Mar, 2022

Context

Researchers at the IIT Kanpur have created a biodegradable nanoparticle that can be used as an alternative to chemical-based insecticides to protect crops.

Key-points

  • The nanoparticle, dubbed Biodegradable Carbonoid Metabolite (BioDCM), can be active at low concentrations and be as effective as pesticides while having no detrimental effects on soil or consumer health. 
  • It operates quickly because it is administered in bioactive form and can resist high temperatures.
  • The nanoparticle was produced in collaboration with Kannan and D. Mishra of ICAR-Indian Institute of Rice Research, and also with R Balamurugan and M. Mandal of the Hyderabad University’s School of Chemistry.
  • Given the nanoparticle developed by IIT Kanpur’s biodegradable and non-harmful nature, it is likely to attract a lot of interest from farmers looking to reduce their use of chemicals in farming, particularly pesticides.

Problems faced by farmers

  • According to a report released by the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in June 2021, farmers around the world lose up to 40% of their crops to insects and illnesses each year, resulting in a $290 billion loss to the global economy.
  • Natural ingredients are increasingly being used in organic farming and exporting goods.

About Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

  • It is a specialised agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger and improve nutrition and food security.
  • It was founded in October 1945 and is headquartered in Rome.
  • It maintains regional and field offices around the world, operating in over 130 countries.
  • It also conducts research, provides technical assistance to projects, operates educational and training programs, and collects data on agricultural output, production, and development.
  • Composed of 197 member states, the FAO is governed by a biennial conference representing each member country and the European Union, which elects a 49-member executive council.
  • The Director-General serves as the chief administrative officer.

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