The global agricultural landscape is undergoing a significant transformation driven by the need to enhance productivity, ensure environmental sustainability, and support an ever-growing population. In this context, nanotechnology and microbial biotechnology have emerged as groundbreaking disciplines capable of reshaping modern farming systems. Their synergistic integration has given rise to an innovative and sustainable approach—nano-bioinoculants, a next-generation tool designed to improve nutrient use efficiency, strengthen stress tolerance, support plant growth, and manage diseases in an eco-friendly manner.

“Nano-bioinoculants: The Future of Smart Farming” brings together cutting-edge research, scientific insights, and practical applications in this rapidly evolving domain. The overwhelmingly positive response of 76 abstract submissions from India and abroad is a testament to the growing interest in this field, of which 15 high-quality articles have been carefully selected for this volume. Authored by distinguished researchers and academicians, the chapters explore essential themes, including the fundamentals of nanotechnology, nanoparticle classification, synthesis and characterization techniques, mechanisms of interaction between nanoparticles and microbial inoculants, and the formulation and application of nano-bioinoculants in agriculture.

The book places strong emphasis on nanoparticle synthesis methods, nano–microbial interaction dynamics, and their role in promoting sustainable crop production. It provides readers with a holistic understanding of how nanotechnology can complement beneficial microorganisms to build smart, resilient, and climate-adaptive farming systems.

This edited volume serves as a valuable reference for students, researchers, academicians, and professionals in agricultural microbiology, soil science, nanotechnology, biotechnology, and related fields. By showcasing advancements and highlighting future prospects, it aims to spark innovative thinking, strengthen scientific collaborations, and encourage continued research into the potential of nano-bioinoculants as a cornerstone technology for sustainable agriculture.

We express our heartfelt gratitude to all contributing authors for their scholarly contributions and timely support. We also thank NIPA, New Delhi Publishers, our institutions, colleagues, and families for their encouragement throughout the preparation of this book. It is our sincere hope that this work will inspire new ideas and meaningful progress toward achieving smarter, greener, and more resilient agricultural systems.

Dr. K. Surendra Gopal, is currently working as Professor and Head, Department of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur. Earlier, he also held an additional charge as Associate Director of Education (UG) of KAU.

With 29 years of experience in Teaching, Research, Extension, and Administration, his specialization includes Agricultural Microbiology (Soil Microbiology -Microbial inoculants).

He has successfully completed 5 research projects as Principal Investigator and currently handles 4 research projects as Principal Investigator including the ICAR-AINP on Soil Biodiversity and Biofertilizers. As Co-Principal Investigator, 8 research projects have been completed and 6 research projects are currently in progress. He has guided 18 PG, 1 Ph.D. students from KAU and 38 PG students for short term dissertation work from other institutions. He also acted as a scientist mentor to a KSCSTE Post-Doctoral Fellow of Kerala Government for 3 years. He contributed to the developments of 5 technologies related to microbial inoculants and waste management that were transferred to KAU stations and entrepreneurs. He was also associated with the release of 5 nutmeg varieties.

He has published 82 research papers, presented 53 papers in seminars/symposium, and authored 3 books, 1 technical bulletin, 12 popular articles, 22 UG and PG practical manuals, and 7 training manuals.

In academics, he has taught 60 UG, PG and Ph.D. courses for various degree programmes, prepared 22 student’s practical manuals and led educational tours for students. He acted as external examiner for thesis evaluation, set question papers, and conducted final viva-voce exams for other SAUs.

Under extension activities ,he offered consultancy services for 5 start-ups and entrepreneurs , conducted 16 state-level training programs, served as a resource person in 27 programs, participated in 17 national trainings, and contributed to various committees of university and college . He currently serves as an Editorial Board Member of Journal of Tropical Agriculture and PTA Secretary of CoA, Vellanikkara.

He also acted as Chief of the Biofuel Advisory Committee (K-DISC), Govt.of Kerala.. He has also previously served as Officer-in-Charge (UG Academics) and Assistant Warden. He is also a life member of the Indian Society of Soil Biology and Ecology, Bangalore, Karnataka

Anju A. B. is currently pursuing her Ph.D. at the College of Agriculture, KAU, Vellanikkara, Thrissur, Kerala and awarded prestigious DST-INSPIRE Fellow (JRF), awarded by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India for 3 years. She was earlier awarded the ICSSR Doctoral Fellowship. She completed her B.Sc. Hons. (Agriculture) at the College of Agriculture, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, and her M.Sc. (Agriculture) in Agricultural Microbiology at the College of Agriculture, KAU,Vellayani in Kerala, securing University first rank in Agricultural Microbiology during PG .She was a recipient of the National Talent Scholarship during UG and the E-grantz scholarship during PG and qualified the ASRB NET Exam (2021) in Agricultural Microbiology. She has gained practical experience in plant-microbe interaction, biofertilizers, and nematodes as a Research Assistant and Skilled Assistant at the College of Agriculture, KAU Vellayani, and worked as a guest lecturer at the College of Cooperation, Banking, and Management, Thrissur. Her current research focuses on nano-biofertilizers, with her Ph.D. work on "Development of nano-encapsulated biofertilizer consortium for ginger". She has two international research publications, contributions to conference proceedings, two book chapters, and received the Best Poster Presentation Award for her poster on "Chitosan Nanoparticles: A Sustainable Approach for Managing Soil-Borne Fungal Pathogens" in a national seminar.

Chapter 1.Nanotechnology: Fundamentals, Applications, & Implications Meenakshi Shrivastava

Chapter 2.Classification, Synthesis, & Characterization Of Nanoparticles Anju A. B., Surendra Gopal K.,  Panchami P. S.

Chapter 3.Nano-Bioinoculants: Integrating Nanotechnology & Microbes For Sustainable Agriculture Yogesh Kumar

Chapter 4.Nano-Bioinoculants- Research, Development, & Innovation In India Lavanya A. K., Sonali Paul Mazumdar, Pragati Pramanik, B&eppa G. S., Namrata Laskar

Chapter 5.Beyond The Microbe, From Lab To L&: India’s Nanoscale Bioinoculants Srinivasan R . & Aishwarya Lomte

Chapter 6.Synergistic Effects Of Nanoparticles & Bioinoculants: A New Frontier In Sustainable Agriculture Neha Kashyap  & Kuppili Praveena

Chapter 7.Types Of Nanobioinoculants Resmi A. R., Reshmy Vijayaraghavan, Aparna R.S. , &rea Susan Baby, & Kadheejath Shahanoor Begum K.K.

Chapter 8. Application Of Nanobioinoculants Aparna R.S., Reshmy Vijayaraghavan, Resmi A.R., &rea Susan Baby, & Kadheejath Shahanoor Begum K.K.

Chapter 9.Nanobioinoculants In Sustainable Agriculture: Mechanisms & Applications Burhan Khalid, Muhammad Atiq Ashraf, Muhammad Ikram, Muhammad Umer Javed , Talha Riaz , & Rizwan Maqbool

Chapter 10.Role Of Nanobioinoculants In Smart Farming Neha Pal, Adla Wasi, Anwar Shazad,& Gulgul Tyagi

Chapter 11.Role Of Nanobioinoculants In Heavy Metal Bioremediation Pole Akhila, Samala Manoj Kumar, P.C. Latha, R. Thamizh Vendan, & Aman Jaiswal

Chapter 12.Nanobioinoculants For Protecting Plants Against Biotic Stresses: Strategies & Mechanisms Smitha M.S., Swathy I.M., & Reshmy, V.

Chapter 13.Nano-Biofertilizers For Soil Nutritional Security In Agriculture Boby V. Unnikrishnan, Binitha N. K., & Akhila Ch&ran

Chapter 14.Environmental Impacts Of Nano-Bioinoculants Khushboo

Chapter 15.Current Challenges & Future Directions Of Nano-Bioinoculants In Smart Farming Dipanshu, Jasmeen, & Ishwarpartap Singh Deol