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Malaysia Expands Nuclear Radiation Mutation Breeding Applications to Bolster Food Security and Industrial Inspection

Malaysia's nuclear technology applications are extending from traditional fields such as medicine and industry further into agricultural production and food security. Dr. Sukri, Senior Director of Project Management at the Malaysian Nuclear Agency, stated that through research and development using nuclear radiation mutation breeding technology, the agency has shortened the maturation period of cassava from the original 10 to 12 months down to 6 months. Sukri noted that this technological application helps reduce farmers' production costs, improve land use efficiency, and cultivate larger cassava varieties. In addition to cassava, the Malaysian Nuclear Agency, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and the Department of Agriculture, has successfully developed two new rice varieties, NMR 151 and NMR 152. These new varieties feature higher yields and demonstrate strong resistance to diseases, extreme weather conditions such as prolonged drought, and flooding.

2026-09-07

Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) in India develops 72 improved crop varieties through radiation mutation technology

The integration of nuclear technology with agricultural production is demonstrating increasingly tangible value in Indian farmlands. Through radiation-induced mutation and hybrid breeding techniques, the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre in India has successively developed 72 improved crop varieties, covering peanuts, rice, mung beans, mustard, and other crops. India's Minister of State Jitendra Singh disclosed this progress in a written reply to Parliament, showing that the peaceful application of nuclear science has extended from laboratories to the frontlines of agricultural production. In terms of variety composition, peanut new varieties are the most numerous, reaching 17; rice has 10, mung beans and mustard 9 each, black gram 8, pigeon pea 5, sorghum 3, and cowpea, wheat, and soybean 2 each. Additionally...

2026-08-13

Russian Scholars Discuss Prospects and Limitations of Low-Dose Ionizing Radiation in Agriculture

Russian researchers have recently proposed a rapid bacterial detection method for determining optimal doses of ionizing radiation for animals. Related studies suggest that low-dose radiation in the range of tens to hundreds of milligrays (mGy) may activate physiological processes such as metabolism, growth, and biomass accumulation, offering new technical approaches for livestock farming, veterinary medicine, and related fields. The ionizing radiation food processing center at the L.Ya. Karpov Institute of Physical Chemistry in Obninsk. Photo: Kaluga Region State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company. In response to this direction, the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI (Moscow Engineering Physics Institute)...

2026-08-13

Russian Ambassador Says Willing to Transfer Civilian Nuclear Technology to Morocco, Covering Power Generation, Seawater Desalination, Nuclear Medicine, and Agriculture

New directions are emerging in Morocco-Russia economic and technical cooperation, with both sides intending to expand the scope of collaboration from traditional energy sectors to strategic industries such as civilian nuclear technology, seawater desalination, medicine, and agriculture. Russia's Ambassador to Morocco, Igor Belyaev, stated that Russia is willing to share civilian nuclear technology expertise with Morocco, a remark indicating that bilateral cooperation may extend from equipment supply and energy projects to more technology-intensive comprehensive partnerships. This development is closely linked to Morocco's current needs. In recent years, Morocco has continuously promoted the diversification of energy sources and accelerated efforts to address water scarcity, with seawater desalination having become a...

2026-08-10

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

The Nicaraguan Institute for Agricultural Protection and Health (IPSA) recently hosted an official visit from Raúl Ramírez García, Director of the Technical Cooperation Division for Latin America and the Caribbean at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The meeting, chaired by IPSA Executive Director Ricardo Somarriba Reyes, focused on agricultural health, food safety, and the application of nuclear science and technology in agriculture. During the working session, both parties reaffirmed Nicaragua's continued participation in national and regional cooperation projects as a member of the Agreement for the Promotion of Nuclear Science and Technology Cooperation in Latin America and the Caribbean (ARCAL). The core objective of such projects is to...

2026-07-09

60th Anniversary of the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre: Nuclear Techniques Continue to Serve Global Agriculture and Food Safety

In 2024, the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture marks its 60th anniversary. Established in 1964 through a partnership between the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the International Atomic Energy Agency, the Centre primarily promotes the application of nuclear science and related technologies in food security, agricultural production, and sustainable environmental development. Over the past 60 years, the Joint Centre has carried out work in areas including pest control, plant breeding and genetics, soil and water management, animal production and health, and food safety and quality control. Its Agriculture and Biotechnology Laboratories have long undertaken tasks in technology development, capacity building, and technology transfer,...

2024-12-27

Senegal Seeks to Leverage Nuclear Energy to Boost Agricultural Productivity

Senegal is actively exploring the use of nuclear technology to enhance agricultural productivity. Facing numerous agricultural challenges, the country believes that nuclear science applications can effectively improve crop cultivation, soil health, and aquaculture, among other areas, with particular attention focused on the regional conference on nuclear science applications in agriculture held in Dakar from August 3 to 7. The event, organized by the Plant Biotechnology Laboratory led by Professor Diaga Diouf at UCAD University in collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), is part of the Atoms4Food initiative launched in 2023. The conference brought together university presidents, faculty deans, directors of national agricultural research centers, and other experts and scholars in related fields,...

2026-08-05

USDA Plans $25 Million Investment in Sterile Fly Release Facility in Arizona

The U.S. Department of Agriculture will invest $25 million to build a new sterile fly release facility in Arizona, strengthening efforts to control New World screwworm and reduce the risk of it invading American livestock herds. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the plan during a visit to the Douglas Port of Entry in Arizona. According to the department, releasing sterile flies is a key method for suppressing and ultimately eradicating New World screwworm populations. The proposed Arizona facility will enhance USDA's sterile fly release capacity and complement existing facilities and operations in Texas, Mexico, and Panama, further strengthening emergency response capabilities along the U.S. southwest border. The U.S...

2026-08-04

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

2026-07-27