New Delhi: The Government of India is expanding the use of nuclear agricultural technologies to improve crop productivity, farmer income, and national food security. The initiative is being led by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) in collaboration with agricultural universities and research institutions across the country. These technologies use scientific methods such as radiation-induced mutation breeding and isotope research to develop better crop varieties and improve soil-plant studies.
According to an official statement in Parliament, the government is working with State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) and research institutions to test, validate, and distribute improved crop varieties to farmers. The program aims to bring advanced nuclear science into agriculture in a safe and practical way.
Details of Nuclear Agricultural Technologies
The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) has taken several steps to promote nuclear technology in agriculture. The main objective is to increase agricultural productivity while ensuring long-term food security.
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The initiative focuses on collaboration with State Agricultural Universities and research institutes, which conduct field testing and help spread these technologies among farmers.
These partnerships allow scientists to develop and evaluate improved crop varieties before they are released for cultivation.
Role of BARC in Developing Nuclear Agricultural Technologies
A key role in the programme is played by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), a major nuclear research facility under the DAE.
BARC works with universities through Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to conduct nuclear agriculture research.
Mutation Breeding Technology
One of the main techniques used is mutation breeding.
- Scientists expose seeds to gamma radiation or other mutagens.
- This process creates genetic variations.
- Researchers then identify plants with better characteristics such as higher yield or disease resistance.
After laboratory development, these crop lines are transferred to agricultural universities for multi-location trials (MLTs). Successful varieties are eventually released for farmers.
Several improved Trombay crop varieties have already been released through this collaborative process.
Field Testing and Farmer Demonstrations
Once new crop varieties are developed, they go through several stages of testing.
Multi-Location Trials
Agricultural universities test the crops in different regions to check:
- Yield performance
- Resistance to pests and diseases
- Adaptability to different climates
Only after successful evaluation are the varieties approved for cultivation.
Farmer Participatory Trials
Universities also conduct field demonstrations where farmers can see the results directly.
These programs help farmers understand the benefits of new varieties and adopt them faster.
Nuclear Agricultural Technologies: Seed Production and Technology Dissemination
State Agricultural Universities also play a key role in spreading these technologies.
They help by:
- Producing breeder seeds
- Distributing seeds to farmers
- Conducting training sessions and awareness programs
Meanwhile, BARC continues to provide the original nucleus seeds and scientific guidance for large-scale seed production.
This ensures that the improved varieties reach farmers efficiently.
Advanced Research Facilities Supporting Nuclear Agriculture
BARC provides advanced scientific infrastructure for agricultural research.
These facilities include:
- Gamma irradiation chambers
- Molecular biology laboratories
- Isotope tracer facilities
- Radiometric analysis systems for soil-water-plant studies
Students and researchers from agricultural universities often work at BARC as part of joint research projects.
This collaboration strengthens India’s research capacity in nuclear agriculture.
Training Programs for Scientists and Students
To build national expertise, BARC regularly conducts:
- Training programs
- Workshops
- Short courses on mutation breeding
- Courses on radiation processing and biotechnology
Scientists and students from universities receive training in nuclear agricultural science through these programs.
The Department of Atomic Energy also participates in Krishi Melas and agricultural fairs to showcase new technologies and crop varieties.
Research Funding Through BRNS
The Board of Research in Nuclear Sciences (BRNS) provides research funding for universities working on nuclear agriculture.
The funding supports research projects in areas such as:
- Mutation breeding
- Molecular biology
- Radiation processing
- Soil-water-plant interaction studies
- Food irradiation
- Biocontrol technologies
These projects often lead to the development of new crop mutants and stress-resistant varieties, which are later tested and distributed to farmers.
Government Statement in Parliament
The information about the programme was shared in Parliament by Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.
The government emphasized that nuclear science can play a major role in improving agriculture and strengthening India’s food security.
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