Zinc in Crops and Human Health

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

Zinc in Crops and Human Health - IZA Initiatives Soumitra Das Zinc Nutrient Initiative-India Programme, International Zinc Association, FAI House, 10 Shaheed Jit Singh Marg, New Delhi - 110067

and Andrew Green Zinc Nutrient Initiative and Environment, Health and sustainability International Zinc Association, 1822 E N C Highway 54, Suite 120 Durham, NC 27714 USA

Zinc has emerged as the most widespread micronutrient deficiency in soils and crops worldwide, resulting in severe yield losses and deterioration in nutritional quality. Almost half of the soils in the world are deficient in zinc. Since cereal grains have inherently low Zn concentrations, growing them on these zinc deficient soils further decreases grain zinc concentration. There is a high degree of correlation between zinc deficiency in soils and that of human beings.

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

Indian Journal of Fertilisers

The paper deals with the status of zinc deficiency in soils and crops as well as humans. It highlights the initiatives of the International Zinc Association in addressing zinc deficiency in soils, crops and humans through increased use of zinc fertilisers.

The challenges faced in the use of zinc fertilisers in Indian agriculture have been mentioned and the way forward in formulating future strategy has been also suggested.

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Z

inc is one of the 17 essential elements necessary for the normal growth and developments of plants. It is among eight micronutrients essential for plants. Zinc plays a key role in plants as a structural constituent or regulatory co-factor of a wide range of different

enzymes and proteins in many important biochemical pathways. These are mainly concerned with carbohydrate metabolism, both in photosynthesis and in the conversion of sugars to starch, protein metabolism, auxin (growth regulator) metabolism, pollen formation, maintenance of the integrity

Some of the common deficiency symptoms of zinc in plants are, light green, yellow or bleached spots in interveinal areas of older leaves, the emerging leaves are smaller in size and often termed as “little leaf”, the internodal distance in case of severe deficiency becomes so short that all the leaves appear to come out from the same point, termed as “rosetting”. Zinc deficiency symptoms in some of the major crops are depicted in Figure 1 a-d (1).

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

The soil conditions that most commonly lead to zinc deficiency in crops are (1): Low total zinc concentrations, such as sandy soils Highly weathered parent materials with low total zinc contents and tropical soils High calcium carbonate contents, such as calcareous soils

of biological membranes and resistance to infection by certain pathogens (1).

Zinc deficiency in plants retards photosynthesis and nitrogen

metabolism, reduces flowering and fruit development, prolongs growth periods, resulting in delayed maturity, results in lower yield and poor produce quality and, results in sub-optimal nutrient-use efficiency.

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

High salt concentrations Peat and muck, as in organic soils High phosphate status

Figure 1d – Sugarcane plant showing distinctive interveinal chlorosis on leaves

Indian Journal of Fertilisers

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

 Neutral or alkaline pH, as in heavily limed soils or calcareous soils

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 Prolonged waterlogging or flooding, as in rice soils  High magnesium and/or bicarbonate concentrations in soils or irrigation water Status of Zinc Deficiency in Soils and Crops

Indian Journal of Fertilisers

Zinc has emerged as the most widespread micronutrient deficiency in soils and crops worldwide (Figure 2), resulting in severe yield losses and deterioration in nutritional quality. It is estimated that almost half of the soils in the world are deficient in zinc. Since cereal grains have inherently low concentrations, growing them on these potentially zinc deficient soils further decreases grain zinc concentration.

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India is not an exception. About 50 per cent soil samples analysed for available zinc were found deficient in India. There is a significant response to applied zinc in the soils deficient in zinc. In India, zinc is considered the fifth most important yield-limiting nutrient after N, P, K & S in upland crops whereas in lowland crops like rice, it is next to N. Analysis of over 256,000 soil samples from all over India showed that about 50 per cent of the soils were deficient in zinc (Figure 3) and that this was the most common micronutrient problem affecting crop yields in India.

The reasons responsible for the increase of incidences of

Figure 2 – Worldwide zinc deficiency in soils

zinc deficiency include large zinc removals due to high crop yields and intensive cropping systems, lesser application of organic manures, use of high analysis fertilisers (such as urea and DAP in place of AS and SSP), increased use of phosphatic fertilisers resulting in P induced zinc deficiency and the use of poor quality irrigation water.

The zinc deficiency in India is expected to increase from the present level of around 50% to 63% in 2025 if the trend continues (Figure 4). This is also because more and more areas of marginal lands are being brought under intensive cultivation without adequate micronutrient

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

Diagnosis of Khaira disease in rice in Tarai soils of Pantnagar is the first catalogued zinc deficiency in India by Dr. Y.L. Nene in 1965.

Since then, there has been considerable research in India on zinc under the All India Coordinated Research Project on Micronutrients of the Indian

Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).

The status of statewise zinc deficiency in soils of India is mentioned in Table 1. Among the states, the percentage of zinc deficient soil samples was 50% or more in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, etc.

Increased cropping intensity in

marginal lands and lesser use of micronutrients in the states of Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and the hill region has further escalated the magnitude of zinc deficiency.

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supplementation.

In many areas, hidden deficiency has surfaced. Use of fertiliser mixture for foliar sprays and chelates has led to

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

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very little residual soil fertility; therefore, hidden hunger of zinc is emerging widespread. Multinutrient deficiencies are fast emerging in many areas in India

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(Figure 5), resulting in lower yield and quality.

The states of Punjab, Haryana and part of Uttar Pradesh have, however,

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

shown a build-up of zinc status and decline in zinc deficiency. This is due to greater awareness and use of zinc fertilisers by the farmers.

This success story needs to be

Table 1 – Statewise zinc deficiency in soils of India

Source: (7)

elsewhere

in the

According to an estimate, a huge zinc deficit of over one million tonnes exists in Indian soils.

Against the crop removal of about 1.2 million tonnes, the zinc fertiliser use is to the tune of only 0.15 million tonnes.

Zinc Deficiency in Human Health Zinc is an essential nutrient for human health. There is no life without zinc. Recently, zinc deficiency - especially in infants and young children under five years of age - has received global attention. Zinc deficiency is the fifth leading cause of death and disease in the developing world.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 800,000 people die annually due to zinc deficiency, of which 450,000

are children under the age of five.

It is estimated that 60-70% of the population in Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa could be at risk of low zinc intake, in absolute numbers, this translates into about 2 billion people in Asia and 400 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa (6).

There is a high degree of correlation between zinc deficiency in soils and that of human beings (Figure 6). It is estimated that about one-third of the world’s population suffers from zinc deficiency.

Zinc is vital for many biological functions in the human body. The adult body contains 2-3 grams of zinc. It is present in all parts of the body, including: organs, tissues, bones, fluids and cells. It is vital for:

• growth and cell division • immune system • fertility • taste, smell and appetite • skin, hair and nails • vision Some of the reported symptoms due to zinc deficiency in humans, especially in infants and young children, 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

• more than 300 enzymes in the

•

human body • activating growth - height, weight and bone development

In industrialized countries, cases of mild zinc deficiency can be observed.

The most common symptoms

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replicated country.

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Figure 6 – Worldwide zinc deficiency in soils and humans

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

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Some typical symptoms related to zinc deficiency in humans are shown in Figure 7.

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Everyone needs zinc. Children need zinc to grow, and adults need zinc for health. Growing infants, children and adolescents, pregnant women and lactating mothers, athletes, vegetarians and the elderly often require more zinc. The primary source of zinc is the food.

The major sources of zinc are (red) meat, poultry, fish and seafood, whole cereals and dairy products.

Source: (1)

Zinc is most available to the body from meat. The bioavailability of plant-based foods is generally lower due to dietary fiber and phytic acid, which inhibit the absorption of zinc.

A balanced diet is the best way to provide the body with zinc.

Dietary sources of zinc and their average 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 - Possible Solution

• Food Supplementation • Food Fortification • Biofortification The former two programmes require infrastructure, purchasing power, access to market and health care centres and uninterrupted funding, which have their own constraints. In addition, such programmes will most likely reach the urban population, which is easily accessible, especially in the developing countries.

Alternatively, the latter programme, biofortification fortification of crops especially cereals crops with zinc - is the best option for alleviating zinc deficiency. It will cater to both the rural and urban populations. It could be achieved through two approaches:

• Genetic Biofortification The possible solution to the zinc malnutrition in the humans may be:

• Agronomic Biofortification

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

Ideally, the cereal grains should

contain 40 – 60 mg/kg zinc, whereas currently, it is only 10 – 30 mg/kg zinc (2). This needs to be rectified urgently.

Zinc Deficiency – Ways and Means to Correct It A fast and cost-effective way of addressing zinc deficiency in soils, crops and humans is to apply zinc fertilisers. There are many zinc fertilisers and products available in the market. Zinc fertilisers can be broadly grouped into four categories:

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

Inorganic Salts Among the inorganic salts, zinc sulphate is most commonly used. It is highly soluble and available in crystalline, granular and powder forms. Solubility is the key factor for fertiliser effectiveness. Out of two products of zinc sulphate, viz., zinc sulphate heptahydrate (ZnSO 4.7H2O) and zinc sulphate monohydrate (ZnSO4.H2O), the former is the most widely marketed and used zinc fertiliser. The latter one is picking up presently due to higher zinc content and its handling advantages over the former one.

Since these salts are readily soluble in water, these can be used for soil application or for foliar spray. Zinc sulphate also contains 10-15%

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There is a developing field of research on the biofortification of plant foods with zinc. This involves both the breeding of new varieties of crops with the genetic potential to accumulate a high density of zinc in cereal grains (genetic biofortification) and the use of zinc fertilisers to increase zinc density (agronomic biofortification).

Although the plant breeding route is likely to be the most cost effective approach in the long run, the use of fertilisers is the fastest route to improve the zinc density in diets.

In order to replenish the zinc taken up by the improved cultivars, higher and sustainable use of fertilisers is inevitable.

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sulphur and thus is a two-nutrient fertiliser.

Another category of inorganic salts are materials such as zinc oxide, which are less soluble. Of late, zinc oxide (ZnO) is receiving attention because of its high zinc content (5080%), as compared to 21% in zinc sulphate heptahydrate or 33% in zinc sulphate monohydrate, and especially in the context of making zincated urea.

Chelates

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Chelated zinc products, synthetic chelates in particular, include ZincEthylene Diamine Tetraacetic Acid (Zn-EDTA), Zinc-Hydroxyethyl Ethylene Diamine Tetraacetic Acid (Zn-HEDTA), zinc polyflavonoids and zinc lignosulfonates. Out of these, Zn-EDTA is more popular.

Several studies show that Zn-EDTA is more effective than zinc sulphate, but it is costlier than zinc sulphate.

Zinc deficiency can be corrected using lower doses of suitable chelated materials than inorganic salts. It is not the absolute price of the material alone that is important but the cost-to-benefit ratio, which may be of interest to the farmer. It is also likely that, while zinc sulphate is suitable for grain crops, zinc chelates are more suitable for high value crops, fruits, vegetables, plantations, etc.

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conventional fertilisers containing major nutrients are fortified with zinc. The three prong benefits of fortified fertilisers are: • Value addition of conventional fertilisers such as urea, DAP, SSP, complexes, etc.

• To provide needed zinc along with major nutrients • To facilitate uniform application of zinc without going in for a separate operation Zincated urea with 43% nitrogen and 2% zinc is one such product mentioned in FCO. Zinc Uptake and Removal by Crops Zinc removal by a crop depends

upon the soil zinc status, other soil properties, crop cultivar and its duration, water management and weather conditions. Cereal species greatly differ in their zinc efficiency when defined as the ability of a plant to grow and yield well under zinc deficiency. Zinc uptake by pulses and oilseeds is presented in Table 2 whereas zinc removal by the cropping systems is given in Table 3.

Zinc Fertiliser Recommendation Zinc fertiliser recommendations are based on crop-soil-climate specific situations. However, wherever situation-specific recommendations are not readily available, blanket recommendation of 25 kg/ha

Table 2 – Zinc uptake by some pulses and oilseeds and their proportions in 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%

Multi-micronutrient Mixtures

8

Greengram

1000

72

58%

Among multi-micronutrient formulation, there are a large number of such products in the market, approved by the state governments.

These do not form a part of the FCO because each state government decides on the type of micronutrient mixtures needed there. The state department of agriculture issues a list of approved micronutrient mixtures, which can be manufactured and sold in that state.

Source (8)

Fortified Fertilisers In these types of fertilisers, the

Table 3 – Zinc removal by some cropping systems S.No Cropping system

Grain yield (t/ha)

Zn removed

Zn removed

(g/ha)

(g/t)

1

Rice-wheat

8.9

1153

129

2

Rice-rice

8.0

320

40

3

Maize-wheat

8.0

744

93

4

Soybean-wheat

6.5

416

64

5

Pigeonpea-wheat

6.0

287

48

Source (8)

Table 4 – Zinc fertiliser recommendations in some states for major crops S.No. State

Crop

Zinc Recommendation

1

Rice

50 kg/ha ZnSO4 / 100 kg/ha ZnSO4 in

Andhra Pradesh

saline-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

10 Tamil Nadu

Rice

25 kg/ha ZnSO4, 0.5% ZnSO4 foliar spray

Sugarcane

37.5 kg/ha ZnSO4, 0.5% ZnSO4

found to be higher in grain crops like rice, fruit and vegetable crops also respond well to applied zinc.

Response studies confirm that, in terms of nutrient management, zinc comes next only to N in lowland rice.

In upland crops, zinc ranks fifth after N, P, K and S. Extent of the crop response depends on the status of zinc in that soil. The higher the zinc deficiency in soils, the higher the crop response would be to applied zinc. In India, the crops response varied widely in different states. In Punjab, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, about 50% of the trials gave a yield increase of less than 200 kg/ ha. The highest response to zinc was recorded in Bihar, where 86% of the trails gave a response more than 200 kg/ha. The response of rice, wheat and maize to zinc were intensively investigated. In 72% of the trials, the increase in rice grain yield was more than 200 kg/ha. The magnitude of response was much less in case of cotton, pearl millet and finger millet.

Figure 8 shows response of wheat to zinc fertiliser. The relative sensitivity of crops to zinc deficiency is mentioned in Table 5.

Effect of Zinc on Crop Quality

foliar spray Source (8)

Application of zinc in crops like potato increased ascorbic acid in tubers reduced phenol content and

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ZnSO4 heptahydrate, equivalent to five kg/ha zinc are generally advocated for every year/alternate years for soil application. For foliar spray, 0.5% ZnSO4 is advocated. In India, agriculture is a state subject.

Therefore, fertiliser recommendations are advocated by the Department of Agriculture, State Government. Zinc fertiliser recommendations in some of the states for some major crops are shown in Table 4.

Crop Response to Zinc Crop response to zinc has been observed in all crops under almost all types of soils and agro-climatic zones. While the response was

Figure 8 – Response of wheat to zinc fertiliser

Source: (2)

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Table 5 –

Relative Sensitivity of Crops to Zinc Deficiency

Source : (1)

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enhanced reducing sugars, sucrose and total sugar. Zinc was also found to increase the phenol tannin content of leaves, kernels and seed coat of cotton. An increase in the energy value, as well as total lipids, crude protein and carbohydrate content in rice, maize, wheat, mustard, chickpea and blackgram, was accounted for zinc application.

Improvement in amino acids in cereals was also observed. Sucrose recovery and juice quality were improved in sugarcane. Also, zinc application increased the lysine and histidine in wheat and chickpea (Table 6).

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Interaction of Zinc with Other Nutrients Zinc interacts positively with N and K and negatively with P. Synergistic effects of Zn x N interaction are mainly due to increased availability of zinc in soils due to acid forming effect of N. Positive Zn x K interaction is attributed to the role

of K in zinc translocation in plants.

Antagonistic effect of Zn x P interaction has been the subject of intensive study in several countries.

One of the reasons for the decrease in zinc concentration in plant tissue due to P fertilization is simply dilution caused by increased plant growth. This implies that farmers should not overuse phosphatic fertilisers, or else it would lead to reduced uptake of zinc by the crops.

Zinc interacts antagonistically with all three secondary plant nutrients S, Ca and Mg. However, positive interaction of S and zinc is also reported in rice, wheat and mustard.

Most available reports show negative interaction of zinc with Fe, Mn, Cu and Mo. Regarding B, it is reported that zinc application created a protective mechanism in root cell micro-environment against B uptake.

Economics of Zinc Fertiliser Use Trials carried on farmers’ fields

reveal that zinc application to crops is remunerative on zinc deficient soils. Over 7000 trials carried out in cultivators’ fields with cereal crops, rice, wheat, maize and barley showed an 8.3% increase in mean grain response over NPK. The B:C ratio varied from 2.8:1 to 3.5:1 (Table 7), which showed that it was profitable, as B:C ratio over 2.5 is considered as remunerative to the farmers.

Zinc Fertilisers in FCO The fertilisers containing zinc, mentioned in the FCO (3) are enumerated below: Schedule 1 Part A

 1 (f) Micronutrients • Zinc Sulphate Heptahydrate 21% Zn • Zinc Sulphate Monohydrate 33% Zn • Chelated Zinc (Zn-EDTA) – 12%

Table 6 – Effect of zinc on crop quality S. No. 1

Crop(s)

Quality improvement

2 3

Rice, wheat, maize, mustard, chickpea, blackgram Wheat, chickpea Potato

4 5

Sugarcane Cotton

Increase in energy value, total lipids, crude protein and carbohydrate content Increase in lysine and histidine Increase in ascorbic acid in tubers, reduced phenol content, enhanced reducing sugars, sucrose and total sugar Improvement in sucrose recovery and juice quality 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 Experiments

Rice

1252

3483

6.3

219

39.9

3.0: 1

Wheat

5172

2353

8.8

208

37.8

2.8: 1

Maize

601

2987

7.6

226

41.1

3.1: 1

209

2734

9.3

254

46.2

3.5: 1

7234

2612

8.3

213

38.7

2.9: 1

Barley Over all

Grain yield with NPK, (kg/ha)

Mean grain response over NPK % increase kg grain/ ha kg grain/ kg Zn

B:C Ratio

Source: (7)

 1 (g) Fortified Fertilisers • Zincated Urea – 2% Zn • Zincated Phosphate (suspension) – 19% Zn

 Clause 20 A • Micronutrient Mixture – Crop Specific

• Zinc Fortified DAP/SSP/NPKs  Clause 20 B : Customized fertilisers (total 23 grades) • Tata Chemicals Ltd. (4 grades) • Nagarjuna Fertilisers and Chemicals Ltd. (10 grades) • Deepak Fertilisers & Petrochem Corpn. (4 grades) • Coromandel International Ltd. (5 grades) Fertiliser Policy in India The Planning Commission of India had well accomplished the strategic

plan for fertiliser industry keeping in view the Industrial growth in the context of the Eleventh Five Year Plan (2007-2012). The Government of India has been concerned with the problem of imbalanced use of plant nutrients, declining crop response ratio, stagnant crop productivity and rising subsidy bill. Switch over to the Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) Scheme as proposed in the Union Budget for 2009-10 by the Finance Minister of India provided the direction to the future fertiliser policies.

Keeping in view the agricultural situation and widespread soil degradation, the time was ripe for ushering into nutrient based subsidy to promote balanced and efficient use of plant nutrients. Such policies encouraged development and use of customized fertilisers. Nutrient based subsidy rather than products based subsidy allows all fertilisers

covered under the Fertiliser Control Order (FCO) to get the subsidy as per their nutrient content. This encourages development of new fertiliser products and use in the country depending upon the requirement of different soils and crops.

Consequently, large fertiliser players have come up in the customized fertiliser business in India. To begin with, companies like Nagarjuna Fertilisers & Chemicals Ltd., Tata Chemicals Ltd., Coromandel International Ltd. and Deepak Fertilisers & Petrochemicals Corporation have entered into the foray of customized fertilisers.

Nagarjuna Fertilisers & Chemicals Ltd. launched the customized fertiliser (grade N:P:K:S:Zn 11:24:6:3:0.5 with 0.5% zinc) for rice crop in Telangana district of Andhra Pradesh (Figure 9), followed by Tata Chemicals Ltd.

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Zn

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players are also coming into zinc sulphate manufacturing and marketing. It is generally felt that entering of the larger players into zinc fertiliser business will open up new vistas in the field of zinc fertiliser manufacturing, marketing and usage.

Figure 9 – Customized Fertiliser grade with 0.5% Zinc launched by Nagarjuna Fertilisers & Chemicals Ltd.

(grade N:P:K:S:Zn - 10:18:25:3:0.5 with 0.5% zinc) for wheat crop in Western Uttar Pradesh. Customized Fertilisers Trial by Tata Chemicals Ltd in the farmer’s field at Hooghly, near Kolkata, West Bengal is shown in (Figure 10). Many more location specific grades are being planned to be launched in different states of the country.

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In addition, the large fertiliser

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Under the NBS Scheme, the role of zinc has been specially targeted through additional subsidy for the zinc fortified products @ Rs. 500 per tonne. The Government of India is promoting the use of zinc under the National Food Security Mission also and providing an additional subsidy to the farmers @ Rs. 500 per hectare for use of micronutrient fertilisers.

Of late, inclusion of urea in the NBS scheme is under consideration by the Govt. of India.

Such steps will lead towards balanced fertilisation resulting in higher productivity and efficient use of fertilisers. Zinc fertiliser use is bound to witness an upward trend in the days ahead.

Role of International Zinc Association (IZA) The International Zinc Association

(IZA) was founded in 1990. It is a non-profit organization based in Brussels, Belgium. IZA has regional offices in China, India, Europe, Latin America, North America, Middle East and Southern Africa. IZA has 40 Full Members and 100 Affiliate Members.

IZA is the only global industry association dedicated exclusively to the interests of zinc and its users.

Operating internationally and locally through its regional affiliates, IZA helps sustain the long-term global demand for zinc and its markets by promoting such key-end uses as corrosion protection for steel and the essentiality of zinc in human health and crop nutrition.

IZA helps to grow and protect the global markets for zinc by promoting zinc’s essentiality in present and potential applications, human health and crop nutrition and by highlighting zinc’s contribution to sustainable development.

IZA’s main programme areas are Technology & Market Development, Environment & Health, Zinc for Life and Communications.

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

The Zinc Nutrient Initiative (ZNI) is a programme of the International Zinc Association (IZA), which addresses zinc deficiency in soils, crops and humans through increased use of zinc fertilisers. The highlights of the Initiatives are:

• It is a 4 year programme • Global effort with focus in India, China, Brazil and Thailand • Objective – to raise awareness on Increased use of zinc fertilisers, increased crop production and improved nutritional status Approaches Workshops / Seminars / Conferences After the successful organization of national level conferences in 2009 and 2010, it has been decided to organize regional / state level programmes. Regional conferences on ‘Zinc in Crops and Human Health’ are held by IZA in collaboration with FAI each quarter at state level in a different region (Figure 11).

Training Programmes In 2010, IZA launched the Zinc

Fertiliser Training Programme in India, with the objective of generating increased awareness and knowledge about addressing zinc deficiency in soils, crops and humans through use of zinc fertilisers. The Zinc Fertiliser Training Programme is a practical workshop that has been specifically designed to assist fertiliser companies in developing, marketing and selling zinc fertilisers and zinc fortified fertilisers. It can also be used by extension or other groups to learn more about the impacts of zinc deficiency and how to address it. The Zinc Fertiliser Training Programme is professionally facilitated by IZA’s zinc fertiliser experts. The workshop takes one half day to complete, at the end of which each participant is presented with an official IZA certificate of completion and a practical workbook. (Figure 12).

Demonstration Crop Trials Various demonstration crop trials under different programmes, like ‘Harvest Plus Zinc Fertiliser Programme’ and ‘Zinc Fertiliser Project’ are being coordinated. The objectives of such trials are i) to study the effects of zinc fertilisation

on yield and nutritional status and ii) to increase local awareness of the importance of zinc fertilisation (Figure 13).

Communication Activities Various communication materials like, newsletters, fact sheets, books, booklets, training manuals, leaflets, brochures, etc. are produced from time to time and distributed to the concerned stakeholders (Figure 14).

Country-based Marketing The promotion and extension activities increase the overall awareness level of the stakeholders, which in turn increase the demand of zinc fertilisers by the farmers.

There is, therefore, a win – win situation among the various stakeholders, i.e., farmers, marketers and producers (Figure 15).

In addition to the above activities, there are several other initiatives mentioned here: 3rd International Zinc Symposium: October 10-14, 2011 at Hyderabad, India The 3 rd Internati onal Zinc Symposium on “Improving Crop Production and Human Health” is

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Zinc Nutrient Initiative (ZNI)

Figure 11 – FAI-IZA Symposium on ‘Zinc in Crops and Human Health in Tamil Nadu” on 30 th August 2011 at Chennai

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Figure 12 – Training Programme on ‘Zinc in Crops and Human Health” on 10 th February 2011 at FAI House, New Delhi

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Figure 13 – Demonstration crop trial under Zinc Fertiliser Project

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being organized by IZA, the International Fertiliser Industry Association (IFA), the Fertiliser Association of India (FAI) and Harvest Plus, and will be held during October 10-14, 2011 at Hyderabad, India (Figure 16). The Zinc Symposium is an international scientific conference to review the latest knowledge and best agricultural practices in addressing zinc deficiency and its impact on global crop production and human health.

IZA-FAI Award The first IZA-FAI Institutional Award on “Promoting the Use of Zinc in Indian Agriculture” was awarded to the All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Micronutrients, under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) based at the Indian Institute of Soil Science (IISS), Bhopal, India. The award of Rs. 100,000, along with a plaque and certificate, was presented to Dr. M.V. Singh, Project Coordinator

(Micronutrients) by the Union Cabinet Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers, Mr. M.K. Alagiri, in the Inaugural Ceremony of the FAI Annual Seminar on November 29, 2010 (Figure 17).

This Institutional Award was organized in collaboration with FAI to increase the awareness of the importance of zinc fertilisers in view of the high level of zinc deficiency in crops and humans in India. In 2011, there is a similar

award for an individual who has made a significant contribution in “Promoting the Use of Zinc in Indian Agriculture”.

Figure 14 – Communication materials produced by IZA

IZA Stall Display IZA organized a Zinc Nutrient Initiative display at the 2010 FAI Annual Seminar in New Delhi, India in December 2010. As part of the display, various activities under the Initiative were highlighted. There was an overwhelming response by delegates and participants of the FAI Seminar to the IZA booth (Figure 18).

Video Film A five-minute video was produced highlighting the extent of zinc deficiency in Indian soils and people and the role of zinc fertiliser in solving these issues (Figure 19).

Efforts are being made to produce a global video as well.

Zinc Nutrient Initiative Partners Partnerships are needed for success.

The IZA affiliate members are mentioned in Figure 20.

There are a number of global initiatives in which IZA is actively involved. Some of these are:

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Figure 15 – Country based marketing

Harvest Plus Zinc Fertiliser Programme The Harvest Plus Zinc Fertiliser

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

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Programme has been developed under Harvest Plus Programme and was first started in April 2008. This project seeks to explore and test fertiliser use to improve the zinc concentration in various staple food crops, particularly wheat and rice.

Used in concert with breeding approach, the application of zinc fertilisers to soil and/or foliar further encourages and ensures plants to produce zinc enriched seed and also contributes to yield (Figure 21).

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

Think Zinc by the BBC Think Zinc – a BBC Documentary focuses on the global efforts to fight against diarrhoea, caused due to zinc deficiency, and to save lives of millions of children (Figure 22).

Zinc Saves Kids Campaign “Zinc Saves Kids” is an initiative of the International Zinc Association (IZA) to improve the survival, growth and development of undernourished children by funding UNICEF - supported zinc programs around the world (Figure 23).

Figure 18 – IZA stall display during FAI Annual Seminar 2010

Clinton Global Initiative The Clinton Global initiative focuses on addressing zinc deficiency in humans and crops through supplementation and fertiliser use (Figure 24).

Zinc Fertiliser Use in India – Challenges The major challenges faced by the country towards use and promotion of zinc fertiliser products are:

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• Unavailability of zinc fertilisers

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at the time of need of the farmers

Figure 19 – India Video

During the peak season, sometimes there is lack of availability of zinc fertilisers to the farmers. This is due to various reasons - production, distribution or supply constraints.

Industry needs to gear up to cater to the farmers at the time of their need.

• Poor quality of zinc fertilisers available in the market

Figure 20 – Zinc Nutrient Initiative Partners

At times, the quality of the fertiliser materials available in the market is in question. Stringent rules and regulations of the Government of India are already in place. These need to be implemented efficiently.

Moreover, entering of larger players in the zinc business will provide a competitive edge to the zinc industry and improve the market environment.

• Zinc fertilisers under highly unorganized and fragmented sector The zinc fertiliser industry in India is under highly unorganized and fragmented sector. The need of the hour is to organize the sector. With the advent of the larger players in the zinc fertiliser business, it is expected that the sector will be organized in near future.

• Lack of awareness of the extension and promotional workers

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Figure 21 – Harvest Plus Zinc Fertiliser Programme

The extension and promotional workers play a key role in disseminating farm services and agro-technology to the farmers. It is imperative to educate to make them aware of the zinc deficiency in soils, crops and humans and to advocate

Figure 22 – Think Zinc by the BBC

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at the time of need of the farmers Benefits to all the stakeholders …

A Win – Win Situation For All

• Farmers benefit from more crops and better remunerations

• People benefit from more and quality food, better nutrition and better health

• Government benefits from improved health of population, lower health costs and increased work productivity CONCLUSIONS

• Zinc deficiency in crops and humans is a critical issue and a global challenge

• Food security and nutritional security needs to be ensured Figure 23 – Zinc Saves Kids Campaign

• The viable solution in addressing zinc deficiency is – higher use of zinc fertilisers.

REFERENCES 1. Alloway, Brian J. Zinc in Soils and Crop Nutrition. IFA, Paris and IZA, Brussels, pp.135 (2008).

2. Cakmak, Ismail. Proc. FAI Annual Seminar, New Delhi, SII2, p1-8 (2008).

3. FCO. The Fertiliser Association of India (2011).

4. Kalwe, Subhash P., Das, Soumitra and Biswas, B.C.. Proc.

National Conference on Zinc in Health and Agriculture. ILZDA, New Delhi, p 1-10 (2001).

Indian Journal of Fertilisers

Figure 24 – Clinton Global Initiative

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5. Katyal, J.C. IFA International Symposium on Micronutrients, New Delhi, India (2004).

the farmers to increase use of zinc fertilisers.

Way Forward

• Lack of awareness of the farmers

micronutrients including zinc is inevitable for higher crop yields

6. Prasad, Rajendra. Indian J. Fert.

2(9): 103-119 (2006).

• Urgent need to increase awareness

7. Singh, M.V. Indian J. Fert. 5(4): 11-26 (2009).

– Last mile delivery It is utmost important to increase the awareness level of the farmers in increasing use of zinc fertilisers.

Last mile delivery is very crucial in addressing the zinc deficiency in soils, crops and humans.

• Balanced fertiliser use with

among farmers and extension workers - for increased use of zinc fertilisers

• Fertiliser industry to ensure timely availability of quality zinc fertilisers

8. Tandon, H.L.S. Micronutrient handbook – from research to application. FDCO, New Delhi, pp.212 (2009).