Agronomic Bio-Fortification of Cereals with Zinc to overcome the Malnutrition from Indian Population

Zinc deficiency is a significant public health issue in India, contributing to malnutrition, impaired immune function, and stunted growth in children. Agronomic bio-fortification offers a sustainable and effective strategy to increase zinc concentrations in staple cereals like rice and wheat, which form the dietary backbone of the Indian population. This review highlights the role of agronomic practices such as soil and foliar zinc fertilization in enhancing zinc uptake, translocation, and accumulation in grains. Additionally, it addresses the impact of zinc bio-fortification on crop yield, nutritional quality, and human health outcomes. Special emphasis is placed on the challenges, potential strategies, and agronomic innovations to achieve large-scale implementation in Indian agricultural systems. The integration of zinc bio-fortification into conventional farming practices holds promise in combating widespread zinc deficiency and ensuring nutritional security for millions.