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Nano-biofertilizers for sustainable soil and environment

demonstrating efficacy and safety before entering the EPA has started evaluating nanopesticides under specific
market. This move has facilitated the rollout of IFFCO’s guidelines, nano-fertilizers have received comparative
nano-urea to farmers under regulatory oversight; regulatory attention. Many countries in Africa, Asia,
however, the approval is provisional—the inclusion of and Latin America also lack explicit nano-specific
nano-urea was initially granted for 3 years, indicating regulations. Most rely on traditional fertilizer approval
that regulators are adopting a cautious approach while systems that do not address nanoscale issues. A recent
gathering performance and safety data. India’s example review pointed out that many nations have yet to draft
illustrates a country developing a dedicated regulatory regulatory guidelines for nano-agricultural products.
framework for nano-fertilizers, aiming to promote This absence of oversight means such products could
innovation (particularly by encouraging reduced urea reach markets without thorough safety evaluation. While
consumption) while maintaining regulatory oversight; this can accelerate innovation and market entry, it raises
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(ii) European Union (EU) – existing chemical and concerns about safety, consistency, and public trust.
fertilizer laws: In the EU, nanomaterials are regulated For instance, in countries without specific regulations,
under broader chemical and product safety regulations. a company may sell a “nano-biofertilizer” containing
The EU fertilizing products regulation 2019/1009 engineered nanoparticles without any obligation to test
does not explicitly create a separate category for or label it as such. This presents a risk of regulatory
nanofertilizers but requires labeling if a product contains lag, where technological advancement outpaces policy
intentionally manufactured nanomaterials, according to development, which could lead to either environmental
specific size thresholds. In practice, nano-biofertilizers harm or diminished consumer confidence. 83
in the EU are assessed under existing frameworks
like Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and 8.2. Farmer awareness, training, and adoption in
Restriction of Chemicals for chemical safety, and developing countries
under fertilizer regulations for efficacy. While the EU Regardless of how effective nano-biofertilizers may
provides guidance on nanomaterials in food and feed, be, their real-world impact ultimately depends on
regulatory guidance for agricultural inputs is still farmer adoption. In many developing countries, farmer
evolving. Products containing nanoscale ingredients awareness and education regarding this emerging
must be clearly indicated to end-users in the EU, and technology remain limited. Successful implementation
risk assessments are conducted on a case-by-case basis. therefore requires targeted outreach and training at the
However, there is currently no distinct approval pathway grassroots level.
for nano-fertilizers, placing them in a regulatory gray
area between fertilizer laws and general nanomaterial 8.2.1. Current awareness gap
policies. This can hamper innovation, as manufacturers As nano-biofertilizers represent a relatively recent
may face uncertainty regarding regulatory requirements, innovation, many farmers (especially smallholders)
and regulators may lack specific protocols for assessing are unfamiliar with the term or may associate “nano”
the behavior of nanoparticles in soil. The EU’s approach with something overly technical, risky, or expensive.
reflects a cautious stance, treating nano-biofertilizers Surveys and extension reports consistently indicate
within existing frameworks while emphasizing the that a lack of knowledge is a major barrier to the
precautionary principle; (iii) United States and other adoption of improved agricultural inputs in developing
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regions – lack of nano-specific fertilizer rules: In the regions. A recent analysis highlighted that economic,
United States, fertilizers (excluding pesticides) are technological, and perceptual barriers limit farmers’
primarily regulated at the state level, with some oversight willingness to adopt nano-agricultural products in the
from federal agencies like the United States Department absence of adequate awareness and guidance.
of Agriculture and the environmental protection agency
(EPA). Currently, there are no fertilizer laws specifically 8.2.2. Need for training programs
targeting nanoscale products; nano-biofertilizers are To bridge this gap, targeted training and demonstration
regulated similarly to conventional fertilizers in terms programs are essential. Farmers must understand
of nutrient claims. However, any novel materials, how nano-biofertilizers work (e.g., their slow-release
such as nanoparticle coatings, may be subjected to properties), the correct application methods, and the
environmental and safety regulations (e.g., the Toxic benefits they offer. Improper use could lead to reduced
Substances Control Act may apply if the nanoparticles efficacy or wastage of products. For example, it is
are considered new chemical substances). Although the important that farmers learn that nano-formulations

Volume 22 Issue 3 (2025) 25 doi: 10.36922/AJWEP025160123