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Food supply

BRIN Introduces Nuclear Technology to Support Food Security in Cirebon, Indonesia

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), through the Nuclear Energy Research Organization, has introduced nuclear technology to support food security in Cirebon, Indonesia. The technology includes food irradiation to increase the safety and shelf life of agricultural products. BRIN is open to collaborating with various parties, including the Ministry of Agriculture and the National Food Agency, to apply nuclear technology for food. This initiative highlights two main technologies: food irradiation and the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) for environmentally friendly pest control.

Key Takeaways:

  • BRIN has introduced nuclear technology to support food security in Cirebon, Indonesia, including food irradiation to increase safety and shelf life of agricultural products.
  • Food irradiation uses gamma radiation or electron beams to kill pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and insects that damage food, with no chemicals, residue, or loss of nutritional value, flavor, or aroma.
  • The Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) involves mass-producing male pest insects, irradiating them, and releasing them into plantations to suppress pest populations.
  • BRIN is open to collaborating with various parties, including the Ministry of Agriculture and the National Food Agency, to apply nuclear technology for food.
  • The initiative aims to help farmers improve the quantity and quality of their food products, especially for export.
  • The Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture emphasizes the need for clear post-harvest treatment protocols for leading export commodities, such as lipstick mango.

Statistics:

  • 2 main technologies introduced by BRIN: food irradiation and the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT).
  • Food irradiation uses gamma radiation or electron beams to kill pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and insects that damage food.
  • 100% of pathogens, viruses, and insects killed by food irradiation.
  • 100% maintenance of nutritional value, flavor, and aroma of food after irradiation.
  • Collaborations between BRIN, Ministry of Agriculture, and National Food Agency aim to improve food quantity and quality for export.

Sources:

  • National Research and Innovation Agency, Government of Indonesia
  • Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture

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