Russian Experts say application of nuclear technology can make significant difference to agriculture, healthcare, ecology and industrial processes
Mumbai, 5 October 2020 – Irradiation technology can open the door for Indian exports of fresh fruits by extending their shelf life and enabling protection of meats and condiments from microbes, bacteria and moles parasite, according to Russian Expert, Dr. Alla A. Oudalova, speaking at an event organized by Rosatom South Asia in collaboration with the Russian Center of Science and Culture in Mumbai. Dr. Oudalova also said pre-sowing irradiation improves seeds germination and activates growth processes for plants, while radiation also stimulates embryogenesis and further growth and development in animals.
Speakers at this event included Mr. Andrey Shevlyakov, CEO, Rosatom South Asia, Dr. Sergei Fandeev, Director, RCSC (The Russian Centre for Science & Culture, Mumbai), Dr. Alexander Nakhabov, Deputy Head of Nuclear Physics and Engineering Department, Obninsk Institute for Nuclear Power Engineering of the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI.
According to Dr. Alla A. Oudalova, potatoes and salads can have a growth stimulation of +10-40%, whereas, wheat and corn can have a growth stimulation of 10-15%. Irradiation technology can also cut down losses due to germination, which otherwise would account for 50% of food wastage. In 1994, Government of India approved irradiation of onion, potato and spices, and in 1998, a number of other food items were permitted for radiation processing.
In this presentation, Dr. Alla A. Oudalova also talked about how radiation and nuclear technologies can be applied to make a positive difference in Healthcare, Agriculture and Food Processing, Science and Education, Global Safety and other areas. The need for research reactors was pointed out as they are critical for research areas such as material sciences, radiobiological and medical research, radionuclides production and education.
Mr. Andrey Shevlyakov, CEO, Rosatom South Asia, commented on the event saying, “This year the Russian nuclear industry is celebrating its 75th anniversary and these lectures help us and in the first instance students trace our progress and understand the current applications and future opportunities for the potential growth of the nuclear industry.”
The event was organized to celebrate the Day of the Nuclear Industry Workers and to discuss the role that nuclear technology can play in diverse industries.