Lok Sabha Question No. 1296 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-12-14
Subject: Reforms in Atomic Sector
Ministry: ATOMIC ENERGY
Asked by: Ramya  Haridas

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF ATOMIC ENERGY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 1296

TO BE ANSWERED ON 14.12.2022

## Reforms in Atomic Sector

## 1296.  MS. RAMYA HARIDAS:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

- (a) the  details  of  reforms  proposed  in  the  atomic  sector  recently  by  the  Finance Minister as a part of PM's Rs. 20 lakh crore package;
- (b) the manner in which irradiation technology can be used for food preservation;
- (c) whether this technology is still with the Ministry of Atomic Energy or it has been shared with the private players; and
- (d) the  extent  to  which  setting  up  of  units  on  PPP  mode  help  in  reducing  the  food wastage which is 50 kgs per person per year in the country and if calculated it runs into thousands of crores annually?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES & PENSIONS AND PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE (Dr. JITENDRA SINGH):

- (a) Following are the reforms related to Atomic Energy proposed by Hon'ble Finance Minister, Govt. of India on 16.05.2020:
- (i) Establishing  Research  Reactor  in  PPP  mode  for  production  of  medical isotopes to promote welfare of humanity through affordable treatment for cancer and other diseases.
- (ii) Establishing Facilities in PPP mode to use irradiation technology for food preservation.
- (iii) Linking India's robust start-up ecosystem to nuclear sector by setting up Technology  Development-cum-Incubation  Centres  for  fostering  synergy between research facilities and tech-entrepreneurs.

(b)&(c)  The Irradiation Technology used for food preservation are as follows:

- i) Disinfestation of insect pests in stored products as well as fresh produce,
2. ii) Delay in ripening and senescence in fruits and vegetables,
3. iii) Inhibition of sprouting in tubers, bulbs and rhizomes,
4. iv) Decontamination of microbes responsible for food spoilage, and
- v) Elimination of parasites and pathogens of public health importance in food.
6. vi) Quarantine treatment of Agri-produce including fruits and vegetables can be achieved with irradiation which is a mandatory phytosanitary requirement for exporting  the  agricultural  produce  to  many  countries.  India  has  been exporting radiation processed mangoes to USA since 2007. Now export to Australia and Malaysia has also started.

The irradiation technology offers broad spectrum of socio-economic and business benefits and owing to these attributes, the irradiation technology has been shared with various private entrepreneurs for Food safety, Security and Trade promotion. Twenty-five food irradiation facilities are operational in the country in private, semi government and government sector for irradiation of various products. In addition, various  food  business  operators  (FBOs)  and  other  stakeholders  are  being  made aware about the socio-economic benefits of the irradiation technology.

- (d) The radiation processing of grains (cereals and pulses) as well as spices and their products can help in maintaining their quality for a year; and onion and potato for around  8  months  if  stored  in  optimized  condition.  The  radiation  technology  has immense potential in reducing post-harvest losses of the food. The installation and operation  of  adequate  numbers  of  food  irradiation  facilities  with  required  logistics and infrastructures across the country have enough potential to save monetary loss associated with food wastage.

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