In the present study, iron oxide nanoparticles (FeO-NPs) synthesized from ginger (Zingiber officinale) and cumin seeds (Cuminum Cyminum L.) extracts were investigated to reveal their potential to enhance the growth and drought resistance of wheat plants under drought stress. In an In Vitro experiment, four different concentrations for FeO-NPs (0.3 mM, 0.6 mM, 0.9 mM, and 1.2 mM) of ginger and cumin seeds were tested. Among all the concentrations tested, ginger FeO-NPs (0.6 mM) and cumin seeds FeO-NPs (1.2 mM) were more effective to enhance wheat germination, biomass, and survival percentage under drought stress and irrigated conditions than the non-treated control plant. In a pot experiment, wheat plants under induced water stress showed marked up-regulation in the biochemical resistance mechanisms when treated with ginger FeO-NPs (0.6 mM) and cumin seeds FeO-NPs (1.2 mM) than the non-treated control. Cumin seeds FeO-NPs (1.2 mM) were more effective than ginger FeO-NPs (0.6 mM) in ameliorating adverse effects of drought stress in wheat. Results demonstrated that cumin seeds FeO-NPs (1.2 mM) exhibited a higher increase in chlorophyll a, b and carotenoids (72%, 265% and 96% respectively), proline (127%), superoxide dismutase (115%), peroxidase (43.8%), ascorbate peroxidase (44.6%). This also showed higher reduction in lipid peroxidation, electrolyte leakage and increased soluble sugars and total Fe content in the roots and shoots than non-treated plants under drought. Hence, nano-priming can be considered an effective strategy for sustainable food production in marginal soils.