Syllabus: GS3/ Science and Technology
Context
- India’s initiative to establish 50 multi-product food irradiation facilities underscore its growing significance in ensuring sustainable agriculture.
About
- Nuclear technology has emerged as a transformative tool in agriculture and food production.
- Recently the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) organised the IAEA Scientific Forum ‘Atoms4Food’.
- Speakers from different countries described how nuclear technologies were being used in agriculture and food production back home.
Nuclear Technologies in Agriculture
- Microbial Control: Irradiation effectively kills microbes that cause food spoilage, thereby extending the shelf life of agricultural produce.
- India’s irradiation facilities in Vashi and Nashik are pivotal in reducing post-harvest losses.
- Radiation-Induced Mutagenesis: It uses radiation to induce genetic changes at the chromosomal level, enabling the development of crop varieties with higher yields, disease resistance, and climate adaptability.
- Fallout Radionuclide (FRN) Technique: This method quantifies soil erosion and helps in comprehensive soil ecosystem management.
- Cosmic-Ray Neutron Sensor (CRNS) Technology: CRNS allows large-scale soil moisture measurement, which is critical for efficient irrigation planning.
- Radioimmunoassay (RIA) Technology: RIA aids in monitoring reproductive hormones in livestock, improving fertility, and identifying optimal times for artificial insemination.
- Sterile Insect Technique (SIT): SIT involves sterilising and releasing insects to curb pest populations.
- Isotopic Tracing: Techniques like nitrogen-15 tracing assess nitrogen fixation in crops, optimizing fertilizer use and ensuring sustainable crop nutrition and water management.
- Nuclear Methods for Food Authenticity: These methods verify the geographic origin and authenticity of food products, ensuring quality and consumer trust in the global food market.
Challenges with Nuclear Technology in Agriculture
- High Initial Costs: Facilities such as irradiation centers or isotopic tracing laboratories, requires significant financial investment, making it less accessible to developing nations and smallholder farmers.
- Environmental Concerns: Mismanagement of nuclear materials or radioactive waste poses environmental risks.
- Economic Viability for Small Farmers: The costs associated with nuclear technology may be prohibitive for small and marginal farmers.
- International Dependencies: Some nuclear technologies require collaboration with international organizations like the IAEA or dependency on imported equipment and isotopes, delaying implementation in developing nations.
- Ethical Issues: Using techniques like radiation-induced mutagenesis raise ethical concerns, especially regarding genetic modifications.
Way Forward
- Nuclear technology offers innovative solutions to tackle agricultural challenges such as food security, soil degradation, and pest control.
- Integrating nuclear solutions with traditional agricultural practices has the potential to ensure sustainability, productivity, and resilience in the sector.
Source: BL
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