Abstract

Micronutrient deficiencies or ‘hidden hunger’ particular for zinc (Zn) deficiency affect more than 270 million people worldwide and about one-third population of the world is residing in the developing countries. Globally, rice is a staple food of the population and grown approximately 90% in south, south-east and east-Asia, which is inadequate soil Zn level and ultimately causes dysfunctional food system and unbalanced diets. Therefore, the present field experiment was undertaken to study the effect of agronomic Zn fertilization on grain yield, grain Zn and efficiencies of five rice varieties viz., Pusa Basmati 1121, Pusa Basmati 1509, Sugandh 5, CSR 43 and CSR 30. A field study resulted that Pusa Basmati 1121 and Pusa Basmati 1509 were found better for improvement of grain Zn, while Pusa Basmati 1509 and Sugandh 5 for yield in response to Zn fertilization. The effect of 50 kg/ha soil Zn application on grain yield of Pusa Sugandh 5 was recorded highest during both the years of study during 2015 and 2016 and was significantly superior to other four varieties. For the human and animal nutrition points of view, zinc fertilization in rice cultivars is an important cost-effective approach, reduces Zn malnutrition and it can save the life of millions of people in Asian countries.