Agronomic biofortification of zinc and iron on iron fortification in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) varieties under arid western plains zone of Rajasthan

Background: According to the World Health Organization, zinc and iron deficiencies are ranked fifth and sixth among the ten most important variables in developing countries, respectively, and eleventh among the twenty most significant factors worldwide. Iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) deficiencies in human diet are common in developing Asian nations, such as India. Therefore, the easiest and most effective method of adding zinc and iron to seeds is agronomic biofortification, which may help reduce malnutrition in developing countries like India. Methods: In the Arid Western Plains Zone of Rajasthan, a field experiment was carried out to investigate the agronomic biofortification of zinc and iron in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) types. Cultivation of two types, RSG-974 and GNG-1581, together with seven fortification methods contained different zinc and iron dosages provided under FRBD, and the study was conducted throughout the 2019-20 rabi season at the Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Jodhpur, Rajasthan. Result: The findings showed that applying ZnSO4 @ 25 kg/ha (SA) + 0.5% FeSO4 (FA) resulted in a considerably greater seed, stover, and biomass yield. Additionally, applying FeSO4 @ 25 kg/ha (SA) + 0.5% FeSO4 (FA) to chickpea variety GNG-1581 resulted in higher iron levels and their uptakes.