Nuclear science for food security - Asia (English)

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) today called for increased investment in a plant breeding technique that could bolster efforts aimed at pulling millions of people out of the hunger trap. IAEA scientists use radiation to produce improved high-yielding plants that adapt to harsh climate conditions such as drought or flood, or that are resistant to certain diseases and insect pests. Called mutation induction, the technique is safe, proven and cost-effective. Asia is the continent that has fully implemented this technology. Over 1,000 new varieties of major staple crops enhance rural income, improve human nutrition and contribute to environmentally sustainable food security in Asia, where mutation techniques are widely used in plant breeding. Pierre Lagoda, the Head of the IAEA’s Plant Breeding and Genetics Section, discusses the importance of this technology in Asia.

Participants:
Experts: Pierre Lagoda
Programme Format: Interview
Date of Broadcast: 0000-00-00
Date of Upload: 2011-08-07 17:38:29
File Format: MP3
Themes: Poverty and Livelihood --> Agriculture