Lok Sabha Question No. 5386 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-25
Subject: Gamma Irradiation Facilities in Ladakh
Ministry: ATOMIC ENERGY
Asked by: Shri Mohmad Haneefa

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## DEPARTMENT OF ATOMIC ENERGY LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-5386 ANSWERED ON 25/03/2026

## GAMMA IRRADIATION FACILITIES IN LADAKH

## 5386.  SHRI MOHMAD HANEEFA

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:-

- (a) the current status of setting up Gamma Irradiation facilities in Ladakh for shelf-life extension  of  fruits  and  vegetables,  as  announced  by  the  Department  of  Atomic Energy;
- (b) the timeline for completion and operationalization of these facilities;
- (c) the  expected  benefits  for  local  farmers  and  agri-businesses  including  the  projected increase in shelf life and reduction in post-harvest losses;
- (d) whether any pilot projects or trails have been conducted so far and if so, the results thereof; and
- (e) the  steps  taken  to  ensure  local  participation  and  training  of  Ladakhi  youth  in  the operation and maintenance of these facilities?

## ANSWER

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

- (a),(b),(c),(d)&(e)  This  is  ongoing  process.  Bhabha  Atomic  Research  Centre  (BARC),  a constituent unit of Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) is involved in Research and  Development  (R&D)  activities  pertaining  to  the  development  of  Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for preserving different agricultural produce commodities, preparing standards and guidelines pertaining to food irradiation to help regulators, developing radiation facilities with improvised design as well as promotion of the technology for wider deployment.  BARC developed radiation technologies not only extend the shelf life of perishable agricultural produce and prevent  post-harvest  losses,  but  also  help  Indian  exporters  to  meet  international

quarantine requirements for export of such commodities, thereby enabling access to  high-value  markets.    Notably,  the  shelf  life  of  onion  and  potatoes  has  been extended up to 7.5 months and 8 months respectively, while retaining the quality attributes.  India has been exporting mangoes and pomegranate through sea route in  a  cost-effective  manner  to  the  United  States  of  America  (USA),  Australia, South  Africa  and  Malaysia  using  irradiation  as  a  mandatory  phytosanitary treatment.    SOPs  have  also  been  developed  for  shelf-life  extension  of  cereals, wheat, spices, mushroom, fruits and vegetables such as green tomato and broccoli, cherry fruits,  semi  dried  apricot  etc.,  benefiting  farmers,  traders  and  consumers. Radiation processing also enables chemical-free preservation of grains and spices by  eliminating  insects  and  microbes.    The  radiation  based  food  preservation technology  has  been  transferred  to  private  entrepreneurs  on  non-exclusive  basis for  commercialization.    At  present  32  commercial  food  irradiation  facilities  are operational  across  the  country  which  includes  seven  plants  by  Central  /  State Government Sector and 25 by private firms.

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