India develops 71 radiation-bred crop varieties, generates 56,681 MUs of nuclear power in 2024-25: Govt, ETEnergyworld

Power-generating windmill turbines are pictured near Waremme, Belgium July 23, 2025. REUTERS/Yves HermanNew Delhi: India has developed 71 crop varieties using radiation-induced technologies, generated 56,681 million units (MUs) of nuclear electricity in 2024-25, and established 28 food irradiation facilities for shelf-life extension and food preservation, the government informed the Lok Sabha.

Responding to a question, Minister of State for Atomic Energy Jitendra Singh stated that atomic energy has applications across multiple sectors including agriculture, healthcare, food preservation, defence, water treatment, and electricity generation.

Agriculture and food processing

Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) has developed 71 new crop varieties—such as rice, wheat, pulses, oilseeds, jute, and sorghum—through radiation-induced mutagenesis and cross-breeding. These are in commercial cultivation and possess attributes such as early maturity and tolerance to biotic and abiotic stress.

To improve food storage and export logistics, radiation processing has been used to extend the shelf-life of agricultural produce. Mangoes can now be stored for up to 35 days for export by sea, while onion and potato shelf-life has been extended to 7.5 and 8 months, respectively.

A total of 28 food irradiation facilities are operational across India, 22 of which are privately owned. In Uttar Pradesh, a facility by Solas Industries is operational in Mathura since 2021, and another is under construction in Lucknow by Q-Line Health Care.

Radiation-based cold chain transportation technologies such as SHIVAY and MATSYA have been developed. SHIVAY, a patented refrigerated transport system using liquid nitrogen, has been transferred to Tata Motors and Furmech, Indore. MATSYA has been deployed on Sagar Harita, a fishing vessel, for preserving fresh catch under controlled conditions.

Healthcare and radioisotopes

BARC produces isotopes like Ruthenium-106 (Ru-106) for eye cancer treatment and Yttrium-90 (Y-90) derived from nuclear waste for other cancer therapies. Other radioisotopes produced include Iodine-125, Iodine-131, Lutetium-177, Samarium-153, and Strontium-89. These are supplied through the Board of Radiation and Isotope Technology (BRIT) for diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

At the Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR) in Kalpakkam, indigenous production of Strontium-89 has been demonstrated. The product meets quality control standards of US, European, and international pharmacopeia.

The Medical Cyclotron Facility (MCF) continues production of isotopes for cancer diagnosis and treatment, in collaboration with BRIT. At Indore, a 10 MeV electron beam linear accelerator (linac) facility has sterilised over 1 crore medical devices since 2021.

Defence and industrial applications

BARC-developed Bhabha Kavach bullet-proof jackets, qualified for BIS Level 5 protection, are in use by BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, and the Indian Army. The cargo container scanner system developed by BARC is ready for deployment after field trials.

Water treatment and environment

A cotton cloth-based radiation-grafted matrix has been developed to remove dye from textile effluents. The filtered water is reusable for industrial applications. The technology has been transferred to private firms for commercialization.

Power generation

India’s nuclear power plants generated 56,681 MUs of electricity in 2024-25, contributing around 3% of the total electricity generation. This helped avoid 49 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent emissions. The average tariff was ₹3.83 per unit.

Other applications

Kalpakkam Mini Reactor (KAMINI), powered by U-233, continues operations for neutron radiography and component testing in strategic sectors. It also supports neutron beam experiments and space programme pyrotechnic testing.

BRIT manufactures Iridium-192 (Ir-192) radiography devices for industrial use and supports petrochemical diagnostics. Radiation is also used to develop crops resilient to different agro-climatic conditions. Gamma ray-induced Trichoderma strains help manage soil-borne crop diseases.

DAE is collaborating with ICAR and state agricultural universities on research involving nuclear applications in agriculture. Till date, 39 radiation processing facilities for food and medical device sterilisation have been commissioned, with two operating in Uttar Pradesh.

• Published On Jul 24, 2025 at 08:56 AM IST

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