**5.2 Potential application in the agricultural sector**

Cyanobacteria have been studied thoroughly and have established a solid ground in the agricultural sector. Utilizing microalgae and cyanobacteria to increase agricultural productivity sustainably and efficiently has various potential advantages [76]. A significant source of a wide range of bioactive substances that can control numerous plant response processes is microalgae and cyanobacteria: the enhancement of soil fertility and plant nutrition; the defense of plants against factors both biotic and abiotic; and promotion of growth. Hence, we can conclude that using microalgal/cyanobacterial biomass (or their extracts) instead of chemical-based fertilizers, insecticides, and growth promoters can be an extremely feasible and sustainable option in the agricultural sector. Additionally, the utilization of these biologically based organisms gives rise to a significant step in improving agricultural productivity, which is crucial to achieving the ever-increasing objectives for food items, pharmaceutical items, toxic items, and antitoxic items which are heavily mandated by growing global population [71].
