Biofortification/fertifortification of rice (Oryza sativa) and wheat (Triticum aestivum) for ameliorating zinc malnutrition of humans and animals in India

Globally zinc (Zn) is now recognized as the fifth major nutrient deficiency. The main cause for Zn malnutrition in India is the fact that rice and wheat are the staple food and meet more than 60% of the energy and food needs of humans. Not only these cereals are low in Zn content, especially when grown on Zn deficient soils, but they also contain large amount of phytates, which reduce the bio-availability of Zn. Results available from the studies at the Division of Agronomy, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi have shown that Zn fertilization increases the Zn concentration in the grain and straw of rice and wheat, which can help in alleviating Zn malnutrition in humans and farm and dairy animals.