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Zinc is one of the 17 essentialelements necessary for thenormal growth anddevelopments of plants. It is

among eight micronutrients essential forplants. Zinc plays a key role in plantsas a structural constituent or regulatoryco-factor of a wide range of different

Zinc in Crops and HumanHealth - IZA InitiativesSoumitra DasZinc Nutrient Initiative-India Programme, International Zinc Association,FAI House, 10 Shaheed Jit Singh Marg, New Delhi - 110067andAndrew GreenZinc Nutrient Initiative and Environment, Health and sustainabilityInternational Zinc Association, 1822 E N C Highway 54, Suite 120Durham, NC 27714 USA

Zinc has emerged as the most widespread micronutrientdeficiency in soils and crops worldwide, resulting in severe yieldlosses and deterioration in nutritional quality. Almost half of thesoils in the world are deficient in zinc. Since cereal grains haveinherently low Zn concentrations, growing them on these zincdeficient soils further decreases grain zinc concentration. There isa high degree of correlation between zinc deficiency in soils andthat of human beings.

Zinc is an essential nutrient for human health. Zinc deficiency isthe fifth leading cause of death and disease in the developingworld. According to the World Health Organization (WHO),about 800,000 people die annually due to zinc deficiency - ofwhich, 450,000 are children under the age of five. About one-thirdof the world’s population suffers from zinc deficiency.

The paper deals with the status of zinc deficiency in soils andcrops as well as humans. It highlights the initiatives of theInternational Zinc Association in addressing zinc deficiency insoils, crops and humans through increased use of zinc fertilisers.The challenges faced in the use of zinc fertilisers in Indianagriculture have been mentioned and the way forward informulating future strategy has been also suggested.

enzymes and proteins in many importantbiochemical pathways. These are mainlyconcerned with carbohydratemetabolism, both in photosynthesis andin the conversion of sugars to starch,protein metabolism, auxin (growthregulator) metabolism, pollenformation, maintenance of the integrity

Indian J. Fert., Vol. 7 (10), pp.152-170 (19 pages)

October 2011152

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Some of the common deficiencysymptoms of zinc in plants are, lightgreen, yellow or bleached spots ininterveinal areas of older leaves, theemerging leaves are smaller in sizeand often termed as “little leaf”, theinternodal distance in case of severedeficiency becomes so short that allthe leaves appear to come out fromthe same point, termed as“rosetting”. Zinc deficiencysymptoms in some of the major cropsare depicted in Figure 1 a-d (1).

The soil conditions that mostcommonly lead to zinc deficiency incrops are (1):

Low total zinc concentrations, suchas sandy soils

Highly weathered parent materialswith low total zinc contents andtropical soils

High calcium carbonate contents,such as calcareous soils

Neutral or alkaline pH, as inheavily limed soils or calcareoussoils

High salt concentrations

Peat and muck, as in organic soils

High phosphate status

Figure 1a – Interveinal chlorosis in zinc-deficient rice plants

Figure 1b – Interveinal chlorosis and necrotic patches on leaves of wheat

Figure 1c – Chlorosis due to zinc deficiency occurringmainly on lower half of leaves in maize

Figure 1d – Sugarcane plant showing distinctiveinterveinal chlorosis on leaves

of biological membranes andresistance to infection by certainpathogens (1).

Zinc deficiency in plants retardsphotosynthesis and nitrogen

metabolism, reduces flowering andfruit development, prolongs growthperiods, resulting in delayedmaturity, results in lower yield andpoor produce quality and, results insub-optimal nutrient-use efficiency.

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Prolonged waterlogging orflooding, as in rice soils

High magnesium and/orbicarbonate concentrations in soilsor irrigation water

Status of Zinc Deficiency in Soilsand Crops

Zinc has emerged as the mostwidespread micronutrient deficiencyin soils and crops worldwide (Figure2), resulting in severe yield lossesand deterioration in nutritionalquality. It is estimated that almosthalf of the soils in the world aredeficient in zinc. Since cereal grainshave inherently low concentrations,growing them on these potentiallyzinc deficient soils further decreasesgrain zinc concentration.

India is not an exception. About 50per cent soil samples analysed foravailable zinc were found deficientin India. There is a significantresponse to applied zinc in the soilsdeficient in zinc. In India, zinc isconsidered the fifth most importantyield-limiting nutrient after N, P, K& S in upland crops whereas inlowland crops like rice, it is next toN.

Analysis of over 256,000 soilsamples from all over India showedthat about 50 per cent of the soilswere deficient in zinc (Figure 3) andthat this was the most commonmicronutrient problem affectingcrop yields in India.

The reasons responsible forthe increase of incidences of

zinc deficiency include largezinc removals due to high cropyields and intensive croppingsystems, lesser application oforganic manures, use of highanalysis fertilisers (such as ureaand DAP in place of ASand SSP), increased use ofphosphatic fertilisers resultingin P induced zinc deficiency andthe use of poor quality irrigationwater.

The zinc deficiency in India isexpected to increase from thepresent level of around 50% to 63%in 2025 if the trend continues(Figure 4). This is also becausemore and more areas ofmarginal lands are being broughtunder intensive cultivationwithout adequate micronutrient

Figure 2 – Worldwide zinc deficiency in soils

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Source: (7)Figure 3 – Extend of zinc deficiency in India

supplementation.

Diagnosis of Khaira disease in ricein Tarai soils of Pantnagar is thefirst catalogued zinc deficiency inIndia by Dr. Y.L. Nene in 1965.Since then, there has beenconsiderable research in India onzinc under the All IndiaCoordinated Research Project onMicronutrients of the Indian

Council of Agricultural Research(ICAR).

The status of statewise zincdeficiency in soils of India ismentioned in Table 1. Among thestates, the percentage of zincdeficient soil samples was 50% ormore in Maharashtra, Karnataka,Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, etc.Increased cropping intensity in

marginal lands and lesser use ofmicronutrients in the states of Bihar,Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra,Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhandand the hill region has furtherescalated the magnitude of zincdeficiency.

In many areas, hidden deficiency hassurfaced. Use of fertiliser mixture forfoliar sprays and chelates has led to

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Source: (7)Figure 4 – Zinc deficiency trend in India

very little residual soil fertility;therefore, hidden hunger of zinc isemerging widespread. Multi-nutr ient deficiencies are fastemerging in many areas in India

(Figure 5), resulting in lower yieldand quality.

The states of Punjab, Haryana andpart of Uttar Pradesh have, however,

shown a build-up of zinc status anddecline in zinc deficiency. This isdue to greater awareness and useof zinc fertilisers by the farmers.This success story needs to be

Source: (7)Figure 5 – Multinutrient deficiency status in India

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replicated elsewhere in thecountry.

According to an estimate, a hugezinc deficit of over one milliontonnes exists in Indian soils.Against the crop removal of about1.2 million tonnes, the zincfertiliser use is to the tune of only0.15 million tonnes.

Zinc Deficiency in HumanHealth

Zinc is an essential nutrient forhuman health. There is no lifewithout zinc. Recently, zincdeficiency - especially in infantsand young children under five yearsof age - has received globalattention. Zinc deficiency is thefifth leading cause of death anddisease in the developing world.According to the World HealthOrganization (WHO), about800,000 people die annually due tozinc deficiency, of which 450,000

are children under the age of five.It is estimated that 60-70% of thepopulation in Asia and Sub-SaharanAfrica could be at risk of low zincintake, in absolute numbers, thistranslates into about 2 billion peoplein Asia and 400 million people inSub-Saharan Africa (6).

There is a high degree of correlationbetween zinc deficiency in soils andthat of human beings (Figure 6). Itis estimated that about one-third ofthe world’s population suffers fromzinc deficiency.

Zinc is vital for many biologicalfunctions in the human body. Theadult body contains 2-3 grams ofzinc. It is present in all parts of thebody, including: organs, tissues,bones, fluids and cells. It is vital for:

• more than 300 enzymes in thehuman body• activating growth - height, weightand bone development

• growth and cell division• immune system• fertility• taste, smell and appetite• skin, hair and nails• vision

Some of the reported symptoms dueto zinc deficiency in humans,especially in infants and youngchildren, are:

• diarrhoea• pneumonia• stunted growth• weak immune system• retarded mental growth and

dwarfism• impaired cognitive function• behavioural problems• memory impairment• problems with spatial learning,

and• neuronal atrophy

In industrialized countries, cases ofmild zinc deficiency can be observed.The most common symptoms

Table 1 – Statewise zinc deficiency in soils of India

Source: (7)

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include:• Dry and rough skin• Dull-looking hair• Brittle finger nails• White spots on nails• Reduced taste and smell• Loss of appetite• Mood swings• Reduced adaptation to darkness• Frequent infections• Delayed wound healing• Dermatitis and acne

Some typical symptoms related tozinc deficiency in humans are shownin Figure 7.

Everyone needs zinc. Children needzinc to grow, and adults need zincfor health. Growing infants,children and adolescents, pregnantwomen and lactating mothers,athletes, vegetarians and the elderlyoften require more zinc. Theprimary source of zinc is the food.The major sources of zinc are (red)meat, poultry, fish and seafood,whole cereals and dairy products.

Zinc is most available to the bodyfrom meat. The bioavailability ofplant-based foods is generally lowerdue to dietary fiber and phytic acid,which inhibit the absorption of zinc.A balanced diet is the best way toprovide the body with zinc.

Dietary sources of zinc and theiraverage zinc content (mg/100 g) are:• Oysters: 25• Meat (especially red meat): 5.2• Nuts: 3• Poultry: 1.5• Eggs: 1.3• Milk products: 1.2• Cereals and bread: 1• Fish: 0.8• Sugars and preserves: 0.6• Canned and green vegetables: 0.4• Potatoes: 0.3• Fresh fruits: 0.09

Zinc Malnutrition - PossibleSolution

The possible solution to the zincmalnutrition in the humans may be:

• Food Supplementation• Food Fortification• Biofortification

The former two programmesrequire infrastructure, purchasingpower, access to market and healthcare centres and uninterruptedfunding, which have their ownconstraints. In addition, suchprogrammes will most likely reachthe urban population, which iseasily accessible, especially in thedeveloping countries.

Alternatively, the latterprogramme, biofortification -fortification of crops especiallycereals crops with zinc - is the bestoption for alleviating zincdeficiency. It will cater to both therural and urban populations. Itcould be achieved through twoapproaches:

• Genetic Biofortification

• Agronomic Biofortification

Figure 6 – Worldwide zinc deficiency in soils and humans Source: (1)

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There is a developing field ofresearch on the biofortification ofplant foods with zinc. This involvesboth the breeding of new varietiesof crops with the genetic potentialto accumulate a high density of zincin cereal grains (geneticbiofortification) and the use of zincfertilisers to increase zinc density(agronomic biofortification).Although the plant breeding routeis likely to be the most cost effectiveapproach in the long run, the useof fertilisers is the fastest route toimprove the zinc density in diets.In order to replenish the zinc takenup by the improved cultivars,higher and sustainable use offertilisers is inevitable.

Ideally, the cereal grains should

contain 40 – 60 mg/kg zinc, whereascurrently, it is only 10 – 30 mg/kgzinc (2). This needs to be rectifiedurgently.

Zinc Deficiency – Ways andMeans to Correct ItA fast and cost-effective way ofaddressing zinc deficiency in soils,crops and humans is to apply zincfertilisers. There are many zincfertilisers and products available inthe market. Zinc fertilisers can bebroadly grouped into fourcategories:

• Inorganic salts• Chelates• Multi-micronutrient formulations• Fortified fertilisers

Inorganic Salts

Among the inorganic salts, zincsulphate is most commonly used. Itis highly soluble and available incrystalline, granular and powderforms. Solubility is the keyfactor for fertiliser effective-ness. Out of two products of zincsulphate, viz., zinc sulphateheptahydrate (ZnSO4.7H2O) andzinc sulphate monohydrate(ZnSO4.H2O), the former is the mostwidely marketed and used zincfertiliser. The latter one is pickingup presently due to higher zinccontent and its handlingadvantages over the former one.Since these salts are readily solublein water, these can be used for soilapplication or for foliar spray. Zincsulphate also contains 10-15%

Figure 7 – Symptoms of zinc deficiency in humans (clockwise from top left): Dermatitis, retarded mentalgrowth, acne, white spots on nails

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sulphur and thus is a two-nutrientfertiliser.Another category of inorganic saltsare materials such as zinc oxide,which are less soluble. Of late, zincoxide (ZnO) is receiving attentionbecause of its high zinc content (50-80%), as compared to 21% in zincsulphate heptahydrate or 33% inzinc sulphate monohydrate, andespecially in the context of makingzincated urea.

Chelates

Chelated zinc products, syntheticchelates in particular, include Zinc-Ethylene Diamine Tetraacetic Acid(Zn-EDTA), Zinc-HydroxyethylEthylene Diamine Tetraacetic Acid(Zn-HEDTA), zinc polyflavonoidsand zinc lignosulfonates. Out ofthese, Zn-EDTA is more popular.Several studies show that Zn-EDTAis more effective than zinc sulphate,but it is costlier than zinc sulphate.Zinc deficiency can be correctedusing lower doses of suitablechelated materials than inorganicsalts. It is not the absolute price ofthe material alone that is importantbut the cost-to-benefit ratio, whichmay be of interest to the farmer. Itis also likely that, while zincsulphate is suitable for grain crops,zinc chelates are more suitable forhigh value crops, fruits, vegetables,plantations, etc.

Multi-micronutrient Mixtures

Among multi-micronutrient formu-lation, there are a large number ofsuch products in the market,approved by the state governments.These do not form a part of the FCObecause each state governmentdecides on the type of micronutrientmixtures needed there. The statedepartment of agriculture issues alist of approved micronutrientmixtures, which can bemanufactured and sold in that state.

Fortified Fertilisers

In these types of fertilisers, the

conventional fertilisers containingmajor nutrients are fortified withzinc. The three prong benefits offortified fertilisers are:• Value addition of conventionalfertilisers such as urea, DAP, SSP,complexes, etc.• To provide needed zinc along withmajor nutrients• To facilitate uniform applicationof zinc without going in for aseparate operationZincated urea with 43% nitrogenand 2% zinc is one such productmentioned in FCO.

Zinc Uptake and Removal byCrops

Zinc removal by a crop depends

upon the soil zinc status, other soilproperties, crop cultivar and itsduration, water management andweather conditions. Cereal speciesgreatly differ in their zinc efficiencywhen defined as the ability of aplant to grow and yield well underzinc deficiency. Zinc uptake bypulses and oilseeds is presented inTable 2 whereas zinc removal bythe cropping systems is given inTable 3.

Zinc FertiliserRecommendation

Zinc fertiliser recommendations arebased on crop-soil-climate specificsituations. However, whereversituation-specific recommendationsare not readily available, blanketrecommendation of 25 kg/ha

Table 2 – Zinc uptake by some pulses and oilseeds and their proportionsin grains

S.No Crop Grain yield Uptake Uptake in (kg/ha) (g/ha) grain (%)

1 Groundnut 1900 208 45%2 Mustard 1500 154 34%3 Sesame 1200 201 31%4 Soybean 2500 196 68%5 Chickpea 1500 59 49%6 Pigeonpea 1200 38 34%7 Lentil 2000 52 62%8 Greengram 1000 72 58%

Source (8)

Table 3 – Zinc removal by some cropping systems

S.No Cropping system Grain yield Zn removed Zn removed (t/ha) (g/ha) (g/t)1 Rice-wheat 8.9 1153 1292 Rice-rice 8.0 320 403 Maize-wheat 8.0 744 934 Soybean-wheat 6.5 416 645 Pigeonpea-wheat 6.0 287 48

Source (8)

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ZnSO4 heptahydrate, equivalent tofive kg/ha zinc are generallyadvocated for every year/alternateyears for soil application. For foliarspray, 0.5% ZnSO4 is advocated. InIndia, agriculture is a state subject.Therefore, fertiliser recommen-dations are advocated by theDepartment of Agriculture, StateGovernment. Zinc fertiliserrecommendations in some of thestates for some major crops areshown in Table 4.

Crop Response to Zinc

Crop response to zinc has beenobserved in all crops under almostall types of soils and agro-climaticzones. While the response was

found to be higher in grain crops likerice, fruit and vegetable crops alsorespond well to applied zinc.Response studies confirm that, interms of nutrient management, zinccomes next only to N in lowland rice.In upland crops, zinc ranks fifth afterN, P, K and S. Extent of the cropresponse depends on the status ofzinc in that soil. The higher the zincdeficiency in soils, the higher thecrop response would be to appliedzinc. In India, the crops responsevaried widely in different states. InPunjab, Madhya Pradesh andGujarat, about 50% of the trials gavea yield increase of less than 200 kg/ha. The highest response to zinc wasrecorded in Bihar, where 86% of thetrails gave a response more than 200kg/ha. The response of rice, wheatand maize to zinc were intensivelyinvestigated. In 72% of the trials, theincrease in rice grain yield was morethan 200 kg/ha. The magnitude ofresponse was much less in case ofcotton, pearl millet and finger millet.Figure 8 shows response of wheatto zinc fertiliser. The relativesensitivity of crops to zinc deficiencyis mentioned in Table 5.

Effect of Zinc on Crop Quality

Application of zinc in crops likepotato increased ascorbic acid intubers reduced phenol content and

Table 4 – Zinc fertiliser recommendations in some states for major crops

S.No. State Crop Zinc Recommendation

1 Andhra Pradesh Rice 50 kg/ha ZnSO4 / 100 kg/ha ZnSO4 insaline-alkali soils once in two seasons

2 Andhra Pradesh Maize 25-30 kg/ha ZnSO4 once in 2-3 years,0.2% ZnSO4 foliar spray

3 Bihar Rice 25 kg/ha ZnSO4 in alternate years

4 Bihar Wheat 25 kg/ha ZnSO4 once after six crops

5 Haryana Rice 25 kg/ha ZnSO4 in alternate years, 0.5%ZnSO4 foliar spray

6 Haryana Wheat 25 kg/ha ZnSO4 in alternate years, 0.5%ZnSO4 foliar spray

7 Punjab Rice 62.5 kg/ha ZnSO4 in alternate years

8 Punjab Wheat 62.5 kg/ha ZnSO4 once in 2-3 years, 0.5%ZnSO4 foliar spray

9 Tamil Nadu Rice 25 kg/ha ZnSO4, 0.5% ZnSO4 foliar spray

10 Tamil Nadu Sugarcane 37.5 kg/ha ZnSO4, 0.5% ZnSO4

foliar spray

Source (8)

Figure 8 – Response of wheat to zinc fertiliser Source: (2)

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enhanced reducing sugars, sucroseand total sugar. Zinc was also foundto increase the phenol tannin contentof leaves, kernels and seed coat ofcotton. An increase in the energyvalue, as well as total lipids, crudeprotein and carbohydrate content inrice, maize, wheat, mustard,chickpea and blackgram, wasaccounted for zinc application.Improvement in amino acids incereals was also observed. Sucroserecovery and juice quality wereimproved in sugarcane. Also, zincapplication increased the lysine andhistidine in wheat and chickpea(Table 6).

Interaction of Zinc with OtherNutrients

Zinc interacts positively with N andK and negatively with P. Synergisticeffects of Zn x N interaction aremainly due to increased availabilityof zinc in soils due to acid formingeffect of N. Positive Zn x Kinteraction is attributed to the role

of K in zinc translocation in plants.Antagonistic effect of Zn x Pinteraction has been the subject ofintensive study in several countries.One of the reasons for the decreasein zinc concentration in plant tissuedue to P fertilization is simplydilution caused by increased plantgrowth. This implies that farmersshould not overuse phosphaticfertilisers, or else it would lead toreduced uptake of zinc by the crops.Zinc interacts antagonistically withall three secondary plant nutrientsS, Ca and Mg. However, positiveinteraction of S and zinc is alsoreported in rice, wheat and mustard.Most available reports shownegative interaction of zinc with Fe,Mn, Cu and Mo. Regarding B, it isreported that zinc applicationcreated a protective mechanism inroot cell micro-environment againstB uptake.

Economics of Zinc Fertiliser Use

Trials carried on farmers’ fields

reveal that zinc application to cropsis remunerative on zinc deficientsoils. Over 7000 trials carried outin cultivators’ fields with cerealcrops, rice, wheat, maize and barleyshowed an 8.3% increase in meangrain response over NPK. The B:Cratio varied from 2.8:1 to 3.5:1(Table 7), which showed that it wasprofitable, as B:C ratio over 2.5 isconsidered as remunerative to thefarmers.

Zinc Fertilisers in FCO

The fertilisers containing zinc,mentioned in the FCO (3) areenumerated below:

Schedule 1 Part A

1 (f) Micronutrients

• Zinc Sulphate Heptahydrate -21% Zn• Zinc Sulphate Monohydrate -33% Zn• Chelated Zinc (Zn-EDTA) – 12%

Table 5 – Relative Sensitivity of Crops to Zinc Deficiency

Source : (1)

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Zn 1 (g) Fortified Fertilisers

• Zincated Urea – 2% Zn• Zincated Phosphate (suspension)– 19% Zn

Clause 20 A• Micronutrient Mixture – CropSpecific

• Zinc Fortified DAP/SSP/NPKs Clause 20 B : Customizedfertilisers (total 23 grades)• Tata Chemicals Ltd. (4 grades)• Nagarjuna Fertilisers andChemicals Ltd. (10 grades)• Deepak Fertilisers & PetrochemCorpn. (4 grades)• Coromandel International Ltd.(5 grades)

Fertiliser Policy in India

The Planning Commission of Indiahad well accomplished the strategic

plan for fertiliser industry keepingin view the Industrial growth in thecontext of the Eleventh Five YearPlan (2007-2012). The Governmentof India has been concerned with theproblem of imbalanced use of plantnutrients, declining crop responseratio, stagnant crop productivity andrising subsidy bill. Switch over tothe Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS)Scheme as proposed in the UnionBudget for 2009-10 by the FinanceMinister of India provided thedirection to the future fertiliserpolicies.

Keeping in view the agriculturalsituation and widespread soildegradation, the time was ripe forushering into nutrient based subsidyto promote balanced and efficientuse of plant nutrients. Such policiesencouraged development and use ofcustomized fertilisers. Nutrientbased subsidy rather than productsbased subsidy allows all fertilisers

covered under the Fertiliser ControlOrder (FCO) to get the subsidy asper their nutrient content. Thisencourages development of newfertiliser products and use in thecountry depending upon therequirement of different soils andcrops.

Consequently, large fertiliser playershave come up in the customizedfertiliser business in India. To beginwith, companies like NagarjunaFertilisers & Chemicals Ltd., TataChemicals Ltd., CoromandelInternational Ltd. and DeepakFertilisers & PetrochemicalsCorporation have entered into theforay of customized fertilisers.Nagarjuna Fertilisers & ChemicalsLtd. launched the customizedfertiliser (grade N:P:K:S:Zn -11:24:6:3:0.5 with 0.5% zinc) forrice crop in Telangana district ofAndhra Pradesh (Figure 9) ,followed by Tata Chemicals Ltd.

Table 6 – Effect of zinc on crop quality

S. No. Crop(s) Quality improvement

1 Rice, wheat, maize, mustard, Increase in energy value, total lipids, crude protein andchickpea, blackgram carbohydrate content

2 Wheat, chickpea Increase in lysine and histidine3 Potato Increase in ascorbic acid in tubers, reduced phenol content,

enhanced reducing sugars, sucrose and total sugar4 Sugarcane Improvement in sucrose recovery and juice quality5 Cotton Increase in phenol tannin content of leaves, kernels and seed coat

Source (4)

Table 7 – Crop response to zinc applied over NPK in trials on cultivators’ fields

Crop No. of Grain yield with Mean grain response over NPK B:C Ratio Experiments NPK, (kg/ha) % increase kg grain/ ha kg grain/ kg Zn

Rice 1252 3483 6.3 219 39.9 3.0: 1Wheat 5172 2353 8.8 208 37.8 2.8: 1Maize 601 2987 7.6 226 41.1 3.1: 1Barley 209 2734 9.3 254 46.2 3.5: 1Over all 7234 2612 8.3 213 38.7 2.9: 1Source: (7)

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(grade N:P:K:S:Zn - 10:18:25:3:0.5with 0.5% zinc) for wheat crop inWestern Uttar Pradesh. CustomizedFertilisers Trial by Tata ChemicalsLtd in the farmer’s field at Hooghly,near Kolkata, West Bengal is shownin (Figure 10). Many more locationspecific grades are being planned tobe launched in different states of thecountry.

In addition, the large fertiliser

players are also coming into zincsulphate manufacturing andmarketing. It is generally felt thatentering of the larger players intozinc fertiliser business will open upnew vistas in the field of zincfertiliser manufacturing, marketingand usage.

Under the NBS Scheme, the role ofzinc has been specially targetedthrough additional subsidy for thezinc fortified products @ Rs. 500 pertonne. The Government of India ispromoting the use of zinc under theNational Food Security Mission alsoand providing an additional subsidyto the farmers @ Rs. 500 per hectarefor use of micronutrient fertilisers.Of late, inclusion of urea in the NBSscheme is under consideration by theGovt. of India.

Such steps will lead towardsbalanced fertilisation resulting inhigher productivity and efficient useof fertilisers. Zinc fertiliser use isbound to witness an upward trendin the days ahead.

Role of International ZincAssociation (IZA)

The International Zinc Association

(IZA) was founded in 1990. It is anon-profit organization based inBrussels, Belgium. IZA hasregional offices in China, India,Europe, Latin America, NorthAmerica, Middle East andSouthern Africa. IZA has 40 FullMembers and 100 AffiliateMembers.IZA is the only global industryassociation dedicated exclusively tothe interests of zinc and its users.Operating internationally andlocally through its regionalaffiliates, IZA helps sustain thelong-term global demand for zincand its markets by promoting suchkey-end uses as corrosionprotection for steel and theessentiality of zinc in human healthand crop nutrition.IZA helps to grow and protect theglobal markets for zinc bypromoting zinc’s essentiality inpresent and potential applications,human health and crop nutritionand by highlighting zinc’scontribution to sustainabledevelopment. IZA’s mainprogramme areas are Technology &Market Development, Environment& Health, Zinc for Life andCommunications.

Figure 9 – CustomizedFertiliser grade with 0.5% Zinclaunched by NagarjunaFertilisers & Chemicals Ltd.

Figure 10 – Field Visit of IZA and FAI officials to Customized Fertilisers Trial by Tata Chemicals Ltd in thefarmer’s field at Hooghly, near Kolkata, West Bengal

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Zinc Nutrient Initiative (ZNI)

The Zinc Nutrient Initiative (ZNI)is a programme of the InternationalZinc Association (IZA), whichaddresses zinc deficiency in soils,crops and humans throughincreased use of zinc fertilisers. Thehighlights of the Initiatives are:• It is a 4 year programme• Global effort with focus in India,China, Brazil and Thailand• Objective – to raise awareness onIncreased use of zinc fertilisers,increased crop production andimproved nutritional status

Approaches

Workshops / Seminars /Conferences

After the successful organization ofnational level conferences in 2009and 2010, it has been decided toorganize regional / state levelprogrammes. Regional conferenceson ‘Zinc in Crops and HumanHealth’ are held by IZA incollaboration with FAI each quarterat state level in a different region(Figure 11).

Training ProgrammesIn 2010, IZA launched the Zinc

Fertiliser Training Programme inIndia, with the objective ofgenerating increased awareness andknowledge about addressing zincdeficiency in soils, crops andhumans through use of zincfertilisers. The Zinc FertiliserTraining Programme is a practicalworkshop that has been specificallydesigned to assist fer tilisercompanies in developing, marketingand selling zinc fertilisers and zincfortified fertilisers. It can also beused by extension or other groupsto learn more about the impacts ofzinc deficiency and how to addressit. The Zinc Fertiliser TrainingProgramme is professionallyfacilitated by IZA’s zinc fertiliserexperts. The workshop takes onehalf day to complete, at the end ofwhich each participant is presentedwith an official IZA certificate ofcompletion and a practicalworkbook. (Figure 12).

Demonstration Crop Trials

Various demonstration crop trialsunder different programmes, like‘Harvest Plus Zinc FertiliserProgramme’ and ‘Zinc FertiliserProject’ are being coordinated. Theobjectives of such trials are i) tostudy the effects of zinc fertilisation

on yield and nutritional status andii) to increase local awareness of theimportance of zinc fertilisation(Figure 13).

Communication ActivitiesVarious communication materialslike, newsletters, fact sheets, books,booklets, training manuals, leaflets,brochures, etc. are produced fromtime to time and distributed to theconcerned stakeholders (Figure 14).

Country-based MarketingThe promotion and extensionactivities increase the overallawareness level of the stakeholders,which in turn increase the demandof zinc fertilisers by the farmers.There is, therefore, a win – winsituation among the variousstakeholders, i.e., farmers, marketersand producers (Figure 15).

In addition to the above activities,there are several other initiativesmentioned here:

3rd International ZincSymposium: October 10-14, 2011at Hyderabad, India

The 3 rd International ZincSymposium on “Improving CropProduction and Human Health” is

Figure 11 – FAI-IZA Symposium on ‘Zinc in Crops and Human Health in Tamil Nadu” on30th August 2011 at Chennai

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being organized by IZA, theInternational Fertiliser IndustryAssociation (IFA), the FertiliserAssociation of India (FAI) andHarvest Plus, and will be held duringOctober 10-14, 2011 at Hyderabad,India (Figure 16). The ZincSymposium is an internationalscientific conference to review thelatest knowledge and bestagricultural practices in addressingzinc deficiency and its impact onglobal crop production and humanhealth.

IZA-FAI AwardThe first IZA-FAI InstitutionalAward on “Promoting the Use ofZinc in Indian Agriculture” wasawarded to the All IndiaCoordinated Research Project(AICRP) on Micronutrients, underthe Indian Council of AgriculturalResearch (ICAR) based at the IndianInstitute of Soil Science (IISS),Bhopal, India. The award of Rs.100,000, along with a plaque andcertificate, was presented to Dr.M.V. Singh, Project Coordinator

(Micronutrients) by the UnionCabinet Minister for Chemicals andFertilizers, Mr. M.K. Alagiri, in theInaugural Ceremony of the FAIAnnual Seminar on November 29,2010 (Figure 17).

This Institutional Award wasorganized in collaboration with FAIto increase the awareness of theimportance of zinc fertilisers inview of the high level of zincdeficiency in crops and humans inIndia. In 2011, there is a similar

Figure 12 – Training Programme on ‘Zinc in Crops and Human Health” on10th February 2011 at FAI House, New Delhi

Figure 13 – Demonstration crop trial under Zinc Fertiliser Project

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Figure 14 – Communication materials produced by IZA

Figure 15 – Country based marketing

award for an individual who hasmade a significant contribution in“Promoting the Use of Zinc in IndianAgriculture”.

IZA Stall DisplayIZA organized a Zinc NutrientInitiative display at the 2010 FAIAnnual Seminar in New Delhi, Indiain December 2010. As part of thedisplay, various activities under theInitiative were highlighted. Therewas an overwhelming response bydelegates and participants of the FAISeminar to the IZA booth (Figure18).Video FilmA five-minute video was producedhighlighting the extent of zincdeficiency in Indian soils and peopleand the role of zinc fertiliser insolving these issues (Figure 19).Efforts are being made to produce aglobal video as well.

Zinc Nutrient Initiative PartnersPartnerships are needed for success.The IZA affiliate members arementioned in Figure 20.There are a number of globalinitiatives in which IZA is activelyinvolved. Some of these are:

Harvest Plus Zinc FertiliserProgrammeThe Harvest Plus Zinc Fertiliser

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Figure 16 – 3rd International Zinc Symposium at Hyderabad, India

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Programme has been developedunder Harvest Plus Programme andwas first started in April 2008. Thisproject seeks to explore and testfertiliser use to improve the zincconcentration in various staple foodcrops, particularly wheat and rice.Used in concert with breedingapproach, the application of zincfertilisers to soil and/or foliarfurther encourages and ensuresplants to produce zinc enrichedseed and also contributes to yield(Figure 21).

Think Zinc by the BBCThink Zinc – a BBC Documentaryfocuses on the global efforts to fightagainst diarrhoea, caused due tozinc deficiency, and to save lives ofmillions of children (Figure 22).

Zinc Saves Kids Campaign“Zinc Saves Kids” is an initiativeof the International ZincAssociation (IZA) to improve thesurvival, growth and developmentof undernourished children byfunding UNICEF - supported zincprograms around the world (Figure23).

Clinton Global InitiativeThe Clinton Global initiativefocuses on addressing zincdeficiency in humans and cropsthrough supplementation andfertiliser use (Figure 24).

Zinc Fertiliser Use in India –Challenges

The major challenges faced by thecountry towards use and promotionof zinc fertiliser products are:

• Unavailability of zinc fertilisersat the time of need of the farmers

During the peak season, sometimesthere is lack of availability of zincfertilisers to the farmers. This is dueto various reasons - production,distribution or supply constraints.Industry needs to gear up to caterto the farmers at the time of theirneed.

Figure 17 – Dr. M.V. Singh, Project Coordinator (Micronutrients) receivingthe IZA-FAI Award 2010 by the Union Cabinet Minister for Chemicals andFertilizers, Mr. M.K. Alagiri during the FAI Annual Seminar 2010

Figure 18 – IZA stall display during FAI Annual Seminar 2010

Figure 19 – India Video

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• Poor quality of zinc fertilisersavailable in the market

At times, the quality of the fertilisermaterials available in the market isin question. Stringent rules andregulations of the Government ofIndia are already in place. Theseneed to be implemented efficiently.Moreover, entering of larger playersin the zinc business will provide acompetitive edge to the zinc industryand improve the marketenvironment.

• Zinc fertilisers under highlyunorganized and fragmented sectorThe zinc fertiliser industry in Indiais under highly unorganized andfragmented sector. The need of thehour is to organize the sector. Withthe advent of the larger players inthe zinc fertiliser business, it isexpected that the sector will beorganized in near future.

• Lack of awareness of the extensionand promotional workers

The extension and promotionalworkers play a key role indisseminating farm services andagro-technology to the farmers. It isimperative to educate to make themaware of the zinc deficiency in soils,crops and humans and to advocate

Figure 20 – Zinc Nutrient Initiative Partners

Figure 21 – Harvest Plus Zinc Fertiliser Programme

Figure 22 – Think Zinc by the BBC

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the farmers to increase use of zincfertilisers.

• Lack of awareness of the farmers– Last mile delivery

It is utmost important to increase theawareness level of the farmers inincreasing use of zinc fertilisers.Last mile delivery is very crucial inaddressing the zinc deficiency insoils, crops and humans.

Way Forward

• Balanced fertiliser use withmicronutrients including zinc isinevitable for higher crop yields

• Urgent need to increase awarenessamong farmers and extensionworkers - for increased use of zincfertilisers

• Fertiliser industry to ensure timelyavailability of quality zinc fertilisers

Figure 23 – Zinc Saves Kids Campaign

Figure 24 – Clinton Global Initiative

at the time of need of the farmersBenefits to all the stakeholders …A Win – Win Situation For All

• Farmers benefit from more cropsand better remunerations

• People benefit from more andquality food, better nutrition andbetter health

• Government benefits fromimproved health of population,lower health costs and increasedwork productivity

CONCLUSIONS• Zinc deficiency in crops andhumans is a critical issue and aglobal challenge

• Food security and nutritionalsecurity needs to be ensured

• The viable solution in addressingzinc deficiency is – higher use ofzinc fertilisers.

REFERENCES1. Alloway, Brian J. Zinc in Soilsand Crop Nutrition. IFA, Paris andIZA, Brussels, pp.135 (2008).2. Cakmak, Ismail. Proc. FAIAnnual Seminar, New Delhi, SII-2, p1-8 (2008).3. FCO. The Fertiliser Associationof India (2011).4. Kalwe, Subhash P., Das,Soumitra and Biswas, B.C.. Proc.National Conference on Zinc inHealth and Agriculture. ILZDA,New Delhi, p 1-10 (2001).5. Katyal, J.C. IFA InternationalSymposium on Micronutrients,New Delhi, India (2004).6. Prasad, Rajendra. Indian J. Fert.2(9): 103-119 (2006).7. Singh, M.V. Indian J. Fert. 5(4):11-26 (2009).8. Tandon, H.L.S. Micronutrienthandbook – from research toapplication. FDCO, New Delhi,pp.212 (2009).

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