The Role of Nanomaterials in Plant Production and Fortification for Food and Nutrition Security

Abstract

Fulfilment of global demand for adequate, nutritious, and stable food supply for the growing human population in the face of global climate change is becoming a challenge. As such, there is increasing determination to meet the food needs of the estimated 653 million people that will suffer from poor nutrition by 2030 through the adoption of ‘smart” crop production technology programs. Current manufacturing processes and uses of synthetic agrochemicals have been reported to negatively impact the environment and ecological systems as well as the health and well-being of all life forms. Nanotechnology has been hailed as one of those potential novelties that will help achieve food and nutrition security. As such, the application of nanomaterials with an external size range between 1 and 100 nm