The Centre on 7th July 2020 released guidelines for evaluation of nano-based agri-input and food products in the country. The guidelines were released through video conferencing by Science and Technology Minister Harsh Vardhan and Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar.

The guidelines have been prepared jointly by Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare through inter-ministerial efforts coordinated by the DBT.

These guidelines would help policy makers and regulators to frame effective provisions for future novel nano-based products in the agri-input and food sectors of India. They will also encourage the Indian innovators and industries to develop and commercialise new nano-based formulations and products in these sectors.

This is an excellent initiative, which has brought on board all the departments and ministries dealing with nanotechnology and nano-based products.