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Scientists at the Agharkar Research Institute, Pune have shown that using nanofertilizers in right doses can enhance nutritional quality of wheat by increasing its zinc content.
The team has developed a zinc-nanofertiliser (Zn-CNP – Zinc Chitosan Nanoparticles) spray. The nano formulation contains zinc complexed with a biopolymer – chitosan and is applied to leaves at the grain filling stages.
During the study, the use of Zn – CNP reduced the fertiliser requirement up to eightfold than the conventional zinc sulphate containing fertiliser. The increased zinc content in the grain improved its protein content and other micronutrients like iron and manganese.
According to the researchers, this work defines a new paradigm in micronutrient application – use nano-fertilizers at the right place, right time and in right doses. Grain zinc enrichment not only improves nutritional quality benefitting the consumers but also the farmer, who gets an improved crop-stand in the next cropping cycle. Deployment of such systems for delivery of other nutrients and across other crops is indeed possible.