Swaminathan calls for return to harnessing power of atomic energy

Kalpakkam, June 12 (UNI) Eminent farm Scientist and the architect of the Green Revolution M S Swaminathan today said massive effort was needed in the 11th five year plan (2008-13) to get back to the roots of older system of harnessing the power of atomic energy for improving the health and food security of the nation.

Inaugurating the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) here, he said the emphasis on nuclear agriculture programme on food security issues would lead to increase in the security of the livelihood of the people.

He said a large number of mutants could enhance the soil fertility, which would in turn increase the yields like seeds, groundnuts, pulses, oilseeds, rice, sunflower, jute and mangoes.

Stating that shelf life of seeds and vegetables needs to be improved, the National Farmers Commission Chairman said that irradiation of foods and seeds would help to enhance the shelf life.

This would also lead to increased exports. The combination of agriculture and atomic energy was a multi-pronged one in terms of soil, health and water, he added.

Dr Swaminathan said combination of technologies like Nuclear, Space, IT and Communications, Renewable Energy and the emerging Nanotechnology, would help in overcoming the chronic issues like malnutrtion, poverty and illiteracy.

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