Research conducted by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, ICAR, finds that more than 49% of Indian agriculture has soil that is deficient in just the micronutrient zinc. And every June, farmers plant their kharif–monsoon crops, with all the anticipation and hope that comes with good rainfall, unaware that on millions of acres of crops there is an unseen threat. Even though there is good above-ground growth and roots continue to grow, there is an ongoing and gradual starvation occurring inside the leaf tissue.

Crops are affected by hidden hunger, which causes decreased yields for Indian farmers who are unaware of the true cause.

What Is Hidden Hunger in Crops?

 

Crops that suffer from hidden hunger have a deficiency of micronutrients. However, deficiency of these creates no visible or sudden symptoms like a burnt leaf, disease, or wilting. Instead, reduced plant efficiency is shown through chlorophyll producing slower, enzymes working at a slower rate, and flowering being later than expected, ultimately resulting in 15-30% lower yield at the time of harvest due to no visible reasons. These are what make this dangerous, and most times the farmer blames the weather, insects, or the quality of the seed, all the while the actual problem is not only invisible but also correctable.

 

Why Micronutrient Deficiency June Is the Most Critical Month

June is the start of the kharif (summer) crop sowing season in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh, and thus, there is an increase in soil moisture, very rapid seed germination, and the plants requiring the most amount of nutrients during their early vegetative growth phase when the condition for the plant is to have sufficient quantities of these micronutrient deficiency that it will need to grow; for example, zinc is requisite for root development, iron is requisite in the creation of chlorophyll, manganese for photosynthesis, and boron for cell division. If there is any kind of deficiency (insufficient availability) of these elements in the soil at this critical time, they will ‘deprive’ the entire growth stage of the crop from that point on.

With deep pre-monsoon tillage and the resultant waterlogging from the early rains and the high pH of the black cotton type of soil, all these conditions also contribute to causing these critical nutrients to be ‘locked up’ or ‘made unavailable’ to the plants even if they are physically present in the soil. The result, thus, is that there are micronutrient deficiencies season after season after season in the same fields for the kharif (summer) crop.

The symptoms of hidden hunger in crops can be very difficult to detect. However, here are some tips for identifying nutrients in crops that can develop into hidden hunger symptoms:

1) Zinc—If a plant shows interveinal chlorosis (yellowing between veins) on younger leaves, there is a likely deficiency of zinc. In rice and maize, this condition can include symptoms of disease (known as khaira).

2) Iron If younger leaves show a uniformly pale yellow/white color, without any green color on older leaves, then there is likely an iron deficiency. This is a common occurrence in high-pH soils and waterlogged paddy fields.

3) Manganese If cereal crops display both grey specks and interveinal yellowing, despite receiving appropriate amounts of NPK fertilizer, then there is usually a manganese deficiency present in those crops.

4) Boron If a cauliflower plant has multiple defects such as poor pod or fruit set, hollow stems, and cracked fruit surfaces; often mistaken for pollination failure, there may also be a boron deficiency present.

If you see any of the above hidden hunger symptoms in your kharif crops, do not wait to act until the damage has elevated to a greater degree.

 

The Solution: Fast-Acting Micronutrient Correction with Nutrix

nutrients are absorbed directly through the leaf surface within hours, bypassing soil chemistry problems entirely. This is critical in monsoon months when soil pH fluctuations block root uptake.

Nutrix- Key Benefits:

  • Provides all of the required micronutrients (Zn, Fe, Mn, Cu, B, and Mo) in one application. 
  • Leaves will absorb products quickly; expect to see results within 5 to 7 days. 
  • Can be applied on all Kharif crops (Paddy, soybean, cotton, maize, and onion). 
  • Application rates: Foliar – 1.0 – 1.5 gm per litre of water; Soil – 500 – 1000 kg per acre. 
  • Application timing: at vegetative stage, pre-flowering, and early fruit development.

NUTRIX Liquid – Micronutrient Liquid Fertilizer for Plants

Micronutrient Liquid Fertilizer

Final Thoughts

Each year, the issue of hidden hunger in crops accumulates unnoticed. The Kharif crop’s growing season opens (and closes) more quickly than many farmers expect. The best way to protect yields is to start early with a complete micronutrient solution, such as Nutrix. Not only will this avoid hidden hunger in your crop but it will also save you money on other yield protection methods.

If you want to protect your crops from suffering silently, identify and address any hidden hunger symptoms in your Kharif crops as soon as possible. Correct micronutrient deficiency before planting, and provide your plants with comprehensive nutrients to help them grow to their full potential.