Five ways nuclear technology is improving agriculture and food security

FAO 30/03/2021

Figure: Nuclear technology can help develop improved crop varieties that better adapt to climate change and help vulnerable countries ensure their food and nutritional security. ©FAO/IAEA

Some of the most innovative ways of improving agricultural practices involve nuclear technology. Using isotopes or radiation techniques in agriculture can control pests and diseases, increase crop production, protect land and water resources and ensure food safety. 

FAO and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have been expanding knowledge and enhancing capacity in this area for more than 50 years and recently strengthened this partnership, creating a Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture.

Here are five examples of how FAO and IAEA are improving agriculture and food security:

1. Animal health 

Nuclear technologies have made a big difference in detecting, controlling and preventing transboundary animal and zoonotic diseases.

2. Improved soil and water management

Though hardly imaginable, past nuclear fallouts are actually helping scientists. When it comes to measuring and assessing soil erosion, radioactive nuclides left behind after nuclear events can help scientists determine the health of soils and rate of erosion.

3. Insect pest management

The nuclear-derived, sterile insect technique (SIT) is an environmentally-friendly method of managing insect pests. The technique involves mass-rearing the insects then sterilizing them through ionizing radiation before releasing them back into pest-infested areas. The technique reduces reproduction and suppresses or eradicates established insect pests. It can also prevent the proliferation of invasive species – and is much safer for the environment and human health than applying conventional insecticides.

4. Food safety and control

Nuclear techniques can improve food safety and quality control by detecting or eliminating harmful residues and contaminants in food products.

5. Plant Breeding and Genetics

Nuclear technology used in crop breeding can develop improved varieties that better adapt to climate change and help vulnerable countries ensure their food and nutritional security.

Innovative technologies developed and applied through the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre are providing better nutrition, better production, a better environment and better lives. Nuclear technologies present huge opportunities to help us meet present and future global challenges.

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