The main application of radioisotopes in our agriculture research are focused to induce genetic variability in crop plants to develop improved varieties. Radioisotopes are also used for, improving fertilizer use efficiency and biological nitrogen fixation, monitoring the fate and persistence of pesticides in soil, reduction of post-harvest losses in agricultural products by extension of shelf life and preventing damage from insect and microbial contamination. Research efforts at BARC has resulted in 22 mutant varieties for commercial cultivation. Earlier in August 1994 the Government. had approved irradiation of onions, potatoes and spices. Additional clearances for irradiation of pulses and sea foods have been recommended by the Central Committee for Food Standards, Ministry of health at its meeting held on 14 th December 1998.
Irradiation prevents sprouting in potatoes and onoion.
The picture above shows irradiated and unirradiated potatoes and onions. Health Care Nuclear Medicine Provision of good health care at affordable price, is a major challenge. All the equipment, diagnostic kits and radiopharmaceuticals are manufactured indigenously and supplied to the Centres. RMC is involved in research and development in health science using radionuclides. It also runs patient related services involving diagnosis and treatment using radiopharmaceuticals and does human resource development in nuclear medicine through formal teaching and training programmes.