These reactors have been used for isotope production, neutron activation analyses, engineering experiments and neutron beam research in condensed matter physics. It is used for applications in nuclear engineering, aerospace and metallurgical industries. With the experience and expertise gathered from these research reactors, India launched its nuclear power programme, an essential requirement of this vast country. India has attained self reliance in the nuclear fuel cycle which covers all activities ranging from mineral exploration, mining, heavy water production and fuel fabrication to fuel reprocessing and waste management. Today, India operates 10 nuclear power reactors.
Energy is the fuel of the economy.
With increasing size of population and standard of living, the demand for energy in the Asia-Pacific region is expected to grow at a tremendous rate in the future. With the rapid depletion of the finite and limited hydrocarbon resources, need for deployment of nuclear power is an inevitable option and the scope of Regional Co-operation is expanding. Neutron spectrometer setup around research reactor Dhruva Agriculture and Food Security With a population of over 2 billion in this region, security and safety of food and nutrient is a tremendous activity in the Asia-Pacific region. The range of activities for the development and application of science and technology spans all the way from food production, food processing and food preservation. The main application of radioisotopes in our agriculture research are focused to induce genetic variability in crop plants to develop improved varieties.