Nuclear Technology as Vital Agriculture Tool

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