India’s agricultural landscape is marked by diversity—not just in crops and climate, but also in soil composition and nutrient demands. One-size-fits-all fertilization approaches are no longer viable, especially as micronutrient deficiencies increasingly impact yields and crop quality nationwide. Understanding state-wise demand for micronutrient fertilizers provides insight into regional soil health patterns and crop-specific nutritional needs.
Micronutrients such as zinc, iron, boron, manganese, and copper are critical to plant metabolism, yet often overlooked in conventional fertilization programs. This blog explores how demand varies across Indian states and what it reveals about soil trends, deficiency zones, and adaptive farming strategies.
What Drives State-wise Micronutrient Demand Variation?
Micronutrient demand depends on a combination of soil chemistry, cropping patterns, irrigation practices, and state-level policy initiatives. Several key drivers shape state-wise variations:
- Soil pH and texture: Alkaline and calcareous soils (e.g., in Rajasthan and Gujarat) often require iron and zinc due to fixation issues.
- Rainfall and irrigation: Heavy rainfall zones experience more leaching, increasing boron and zinc deficiencies (e.g., Assam, Kerala).
- Crop type and frequency: Legumes, vegetables, and oilseeds demand more boron and molybdenum compared to cereals.
Government-supported soil health cards and ICAR-led studies continue to highlight these differences and influence fertilizer planning at the district level.
Micronutrient Demand in High-Deficiency Zones
Uttar Pradesh: Zinc and Boron on the Rise
With over 17 million hectares under cultivation, Uttar Pradesh shows widespread zinc deficiency—more than 50% of samples in western and central regions. Boron demand is growing, particularly in sugarcane and mustard-growing areas.
A state-wide push for balanced nutrient management has led to a surge in zinc sulfate sales and customized multi-micronutrient blends. Farmers aiming to correct these deficiencies with precision often buy high-quality micronutrient fertilizers to access varied chelated and blended formulations unavailable locally.
- Zinc sulfate is typically used at 25 kg/ha as a basal application.
- Foliar boron sprays during flowering stage improve grain fill.
Maharashtra: Boron and Zinc Lead in Semi-Arid Regions
Boron is essential for cotton, soybeans, and pulses in Marathwada and Vidarbha. Sandy soils combined with erratic monsoons lead to significant micronutrient leaching. Nearly 60% of tested soils in these belts show boron and zinc deficits.
State cooperatives support boron application at 1–2 kg/ha, often through borax. Soil and foliar zinc interventions remain key to improving seedling establishment and root biomass.
States with Growing Iron and Manganese Deficiencies
Gujarat: Iron and Zinc for Alkaline and Saline Soils
Iron becomes scarce due to Gujarat's high soil pH (8.0 and higher in many areas), particularly in the citrus and groundnut regions like Junagadh and Bharuch.
In addition to zinc sulphate for early-stage corrections in cotton and grains, farmers now use iron chelates (Fe-EDDHA) for quick absorption in horticulture. In drip-irrigated areas, micronutrient blends are applied foliarly and by fertigation.
According to a report from the Fertiliser Association of India, Gujarat’s micronutrient demand has grown at 9.5% CAGR over the last five years, making it a national hotspot for micronutrient expansion.
Punjab: Zinc and Iron in the Wheat-Paddy Cycle
Micronutrients have been depleted from the soil in Punjab due to its heavy cropping cycles and excessive reliance on urea and DAP. Paddy tillering and wheat root growth are both impacted by zinc shortage.
There are increasing reports of iron chlorosis in citrus orchards in the districts of Hoshiarpur and Fazilka. Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) promote water-soluble iron formulations and foliar chelates.
Targeting small and marginal farms, state agencies offer 50% subsidies for blended vitamin kits and zinc sulphate.
"A crop's hidden hunger lies not in the tonnes it yields but in the grams it misses—micronutrients make the invisible visible."
Southern States: Boron and Copper Gain Ground
Tamil Nadu: Boron in Horticulture and Pulses
Significant boron loss has resulted from Tamil Nadu's extensive vegetable cultivation as well as high rainfall areas like the coastal districts and the Nilgiris. Boron shortage is evident in groundnuts, cauliflower, and bananas, which exhibit hollow stems, decreased blooming, and poor fruit set.
According to district fertiliser sales figures, the demand for boron products has doubled over the past three years, especially in Erode, Salem, and Thanjavur.
Karnataka: Balanced Mixes in Dryland and Irrigated Zones
Zinc and boron are needed in northern Karnataka's dry belts, whereas plantation crops in irrigated areas show an increased copper requirement. According to field data from ICAR-IISS, more than 40% of North Karnataka soil samples had no accessible zinc, and 25% had a boron deficiency.
Sugarcane and vegetable producers increasingly use soil-specific multi-micronutrient granules (MMGs) with fertigation systems to increase nutrient efficiency.
Eastern and Northeastern States: Emerging Demand
Assam and West Bengal: Boron and Zinc from Leaching
Leaching causes widespread zinc and boron deficits in these areas with significant rainfall. Boron-enriched foliar sprays at crucial flowering stages are becoming increasingly common among Barpeta and Hooghly paddy, jute, and vegetable growers.
A 0.5% dosage is usually applied every 15 days during reproductive periods to promote panicle production and grain set.
Odisha: Boron and Manganese for Root Crops
Manganese and boron levels are low in lateritic soils in Odisha. When micronutrients are insufficient, root crops such as sweet potatoes and groundnuts experience weak root systems and tuber breaking.
To address new deficiencies, state agriculture missions now include micronutrient advising cards in addition to conventional soil health cards.
FAQs
1.Which micronutrient is in highest demand in India?
Zinc is the most deficient and widely demanded micronutrient, affecting over 48% of tested agricultural soils.
2.Why does boron demand vary so much between states?
Boron is easily leached in high rainfall zones and is crop-sensitive. Its demand rises in states with heavy precipitation and horticulture-focused farming.
3.Are micronutrient demands rising annually?
Yes. Most states report 6–10% annual growth in micronutrient consumption due to increasing deficiency awareness and crop diversification.
4.Do foliar sprays replace soil application?
No. Foliar sprays are for quick fixes. Soil application is essential for sustained correction and root zone nourishment.
5.Can micronutrients be applied with NPK fertilizers?
Only with compatibility checks. Some nutrients like phosphate can lock out zinc or iron. Blended formulations solve this issue.
What’s Next: Micronutrients Driving Precision Nutrition
Micronutrients are becoming essential as India transitions to high-efficiency agriculture. A subtle but significant change in fertilisation techniques is being driven by region-specific demand, from bananas in Coimbatore to pulses in Bundelkhand.
Smallholders are making better judgments because to governmental incentives and increased digital literacy. More farmers can embrace balanced nutrition thanks to online platforms, nutrient calculators, and personalised guidance apps that close access gaps.
Granular data at the state level is increasingly serving as the basis for granular success at the root level for India's nutrient-hungry crops and nutrient-deficient soils.
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