IAEA Supports Nicaragua in Enhancing Agricultural Health and Food Security through Nuclear Technology

The Institute for Agricultural Protection and Health (IPSA) of Nicaragua recently hosted an official visit by Raúl Ramírez García, Head of the Division for Latin America and the Caribbean at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Presided over by IPSA Executive Director Ricardo Somarriba Reyes, the meeting focused on discussions regarding agricultural health, food safety, and the application of nuclear science and technology in the agricultural sector. During the working session, both parties reaffirmed Nicaragua's commitment—as a member of the Regional Co-operation Agreement for the Promotion of Nuclear Science and Technology in Latin America and the Caribbean (ARCAL)—to continue participating in national and regional cooperation projects. The core objective of these projects is to strengthen agricultural and livestock health systems, improve the quality regulation of agricultural products, and ensure a safer, more stable food supply for the population through technical support and capacity building.

The IAEA representative acknowledged the Nicaraguan government's commitment to implementing food security programs and national strategies. He also highly commended the tangible results of applying advanced nuclear technologies in Nicaragua's agricultural sector—such as using isotope tracing, mutation breeding, and the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) to boost crop yields, control pests, and improve soil and water management—thereby strengthening technical and scientific infrastructure at all levels.

Advanced nuclear technologies are being integrated into Nicaragua's agricultural development framework, directly supporting agricultural production and sanitary control measures. In agriculture, nuclear technology is commonly used for pest and disease monitoring, animal disease diagnosis, soil and water resource analysis, and food contamination detection; these applications help upgrade scientific research infrastructure and technical expertise, ultimately enhancing the resilience of the entire agricultural system.

This visit represents not only a coordination of technical cooperation efforts but also reflects the IAEA's ongoing commitment to promoting the peaceful use of nuclear technology across Latin America and the Caribbean. For Nicaragua, leveraging regional cooperation mechanisms and international expertise offers the prospect of upgrading its agricultural sector in areas such as scientific testing, sanitary control, and safe production, thereby providing the technical foundation necessary to ensure domestic food security and foster sustainable agricultural development.