A senior official from the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) says nuclear technologies like gamma radiation have hugely boosted the country’s ability to increase agricultural output and prevent food waste.
Ebrahim Moghisseh, who leads agricultural research programs in AEOI, said on Wednesday that Iran has been using various forms of nuclear irradiation to produce crops that are resistant to drought and have better yield potential compared to varieties used in traditional agricultural techniques.
Moghisseh said two cotton seed varieties developed by the AEOI, which he identified as Fakhr and Jahesh, have shown better performance in the farms where they have been planted in the past year.
He said two new rice seed varieties named Kian and Hasti have also been developed in Iran, adding that the International Atomic Energy Agency has recognized the properties of the two seed varieties, which he said need less water and have three times higher yields compared to normal rice seeds.
The official said the AEOI has set up radiation facilities in several locations across Iran to help reduce waste in agricultural warehouses.
Moghisseh said radiation has helped reduce pests in grain and bean storage facilities in those locations by up to 40%.
“Given the growing demand for food … and given that droughts have happened in recent years because of climate change, there is no option left other than moving toward modern (agriculture) methods and technologies,” he told the state TV.
Iran has expanded its use of nuclear technologies for peaceful purposes in recent years despite continued claims by Western powers that the country is seeking to build nuclear weapons.
Iran has repeatedly denied those accusations while insisting that its nuclear program is in full compliance with international laws and regulations on the peaceful use of nuclear technology.
