The Soil–Plant–Animal-Human Connection: Building Nutrition from the Ground Up

Ensuring food security today is no longer just about producing enough food; it is equally about producing nutritious food. While agricultural production has grown significantly, micronutrient malnutrition, or hidden hunger, continues to affect more than 2 billion people globally. In India, deficiencies of zinc, iron, iodine and selenium remain a major public-health concern, affecting immunity, cognitive development and productivity.

The solution begins beneath our feet. The soil–plant–animal–human continuum highlights the close connection between soil health, crop nutrition, livestock productivity and human well-being. Nutrient-deficient soils produce nutrient-deficient crops, which affect the nutritional quality of food and fodder. Strengthening micronutrient fertility is therefore fundamental to improving nutritional security.

India has made remarkable progress in agricultural production, but intensive cultivation, declining organic matter and imbalanced fertiliser use have contributed to widespread micronutrient deficiencies. Analysis of over 242,000 soil samples by ICAR across 615 districts found deficiencies of zinc (36.5%), boron (23.2%), iron (12.8%), copper (7.1%) and manganese (4.2%). Data from the Government’s Soil Health Management Programme, covering nearly 30 million soil samples, showed that around 39% of Indian soils are deficient in zinc, making it the country’s most widespread micronutrient deficiency.

The challenge has developed over decades. Fertiliser use has remained heavily focused on nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, while continuous cropping has removed micronutrients without adequate replenishment. Soil characteristics such as pH and low organic carbon can further reduce the availability of essential nutrients, even when total reserves are adequate.

Micronutrients are essential for healthy crop growth. Zinc supports enzyme activity and protein synthesis, iron is critical for chlorophyll formation, while boron, copper and manganese support plant development and photosynthesis. Their deficiency can reduce both yields and nutritional quality. The impact extends to livestock, which depend on feed and fodder for essential minerals. Deficiencies of zinc, copper, selenium and iodine can affect growth, fertility, immunity and productivity.

Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach. Soil-test-based nutrient management should be the first step, supported by appropriate use of zinc sulphate, ferrous sulphate, borax and new-age micronutrient formulations. ICAR agronomic bio-fortification studies using soil and foliar application of micronutrients have increased crop yields by up to 34%, while enhancing zinc and iron content in grains.

Crop breeding has also advanced, with ICAR releasing 206 bio-fortified varieties of cereals, pulses, oilseeds, fruits and vegetables enriched with zinc, iron and protein. Such interventions can complement balanced fertilisation and integrated nutrient management.

As India advances towards greater food and nutritional security, agriculture must move beyond a calorie-centric approach to one that places equal emphasis on nutrition. Balanced fertilisation, integrated nutrient management, organic resource recycling and bio-fortification can together improve crop productivity, strengthen livestock health and enhance human nutrition.

Strengthening the soil–plant–animal–human continuum through effective micronutrient management is therefore an important pathway to building a healthier and more food-secure India. This aligns with the National One Health Mission, which brings together human, animal, plant and environmental health through a collaborative, cross-sectoral framework.