International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research

E-ISSN: 2582-2160     Impact Factor: 9.24

A Widely Indexed Open Access Peer Reviewed Multidisciplinary Bi-monthly Scholarly International Journal

Call for Paper Volume 8, Issue 2 (March-April 2026) Submit your research before last 3 days of April to publish your research paper in the issue of March-April.

Regulating Agro-Terrorism in the Digital Era: Role of Cyber Security in Protecting Agricultural and Biological Systems

Author(s) Ms. Tripti Singh, Dr. Juhi Saxena
Country India
Abstract Agro-terrorism, a specialised form of bioterrorism, involves the deliberate introduction of harmful biological agents—such as pathogens, pests, or toxins—into agricultural systems with the objective of causing economic destabilisation, food insecurity, and widespread public panic. In agrarian economies like India, where a significant proportion of the population depends on agriculture for livelihood, such threats pose serious implications not only for national security but also for socio-economic stability. In the contemporary digital era, the nature of agro terrorism has undergone a significant transformation due to the increasing integration of advanced technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), big data analytics, and precision agriculture systems.
While these technological advancements have revolutionised agricultural productivity, improved resource efficiency, and enabled data-driven decision-making, they have simultaneously expanded the attack surface for malicious actors. Cyber vulnerabilities in smart farming infrastructure—such as connected irrigation systems, automated machinery, and cloud-based agricultural databases—can be exploited to manipulate data, disrupt operations, or even facilitate biological attacks. For instance, tampering with crop monitoring systems or disease detection algorithms can lead to delayed responses, resulting in large-scale agricultural damage.
This paper critically examines the intersection of agro-terrorism and cyber security by analysing how digital agricultural ecosystems can be targeted and compromised. It further evaluates the effectiveness of existing legal and regulatory frameworks in India, alongside relevant international instruments, in addressing these emerging threats. By identifying key regulatory gaps, the study highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive, integrated approach that combines biosecurity measures with robust cyber security protocols. The paper ultimately proposes policy recommendations aimed at strengthening legal preparedness, enhancing institutional coordination, and ensuring the resilience of agricultural and biological systems against evolving agro-terrorism threats.
Keywords Agro-terrorism, Cyber Security, Precision Agriculture, Biological Threats, Food Security, IoT, AI, Legal Framework
Published In Volume 8, Issue 2, March-April 2026
Published On 2026-03-27

Share this