Nuclear techniques help ensure food security

According to a reporter at the United Nations, on 21 May, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) affirmed that nuclear technology could help mankind ensure food security in the context of climate change. .

The IAEA stressed that by 2050, the world population will reach 9 billion, requiring agricultural production to increase by at least 70% compared to the present. This is a daunting challenge because the impact of climate change is worsening, making agricultural production more difficult to predict.

Nuclear techniques can help agricultural development countries adapt to climate change through the development of adaptable and effective varieties of climate change impacts, while increasing agricultural productivity. industry and animal husbandry, both conservation of land resources.

Nuclear and isotope techniques also help to reduce soil leaching and erosion, retain more water and nutrient resources, absorb more CO ₂ and thereby reduce house-effect emissions. glass from agricultural production.

Use nuclear technology to determine when plants need water and how much water is needed to help save water and nutrients, increase the plant's resistance to drought.

IAEA scientists have developed many plant varieties that are resistant to pests and erratic weather patterns through the use of a small dose of radiation.

These varieties, such as drought-resistant wheat, are being cultivated in Kenya, high-temperature barley is being grown at 5,000 meters above sea level in Peru, helping many countries to reduce dependence on imports. food export.

IAEA scientists have also helped many countries to effectively counteract the explosive growth of insect pests caused by the effects of climate change through nuclear technology that causes infertility of these insects.

Through the data gathered by nuclear technology, scientists can predict new diseases arising from climate change and the risk of spreading these diseases, especially the risk of infection. people.

Nuclear technology helps detect toxic chemicals used in the process of residual cultivation in food and food, while helping to eliminate them to protect human health.