The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), a constituent unit of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), has developed 72 improved crop varieties using radiation-induced mutagenesis combined with cross breeding, released and notified for commercial cultivation in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and State Agricultural Universities (SAUs). Genetic modification through radiation is stated to cause no adverse effects; varieties undergo multi-location evaluation before commercial release.
Trombay Crop Varieties
- Named after BARC’s Trombay location; 72 varieties released across multiple crops.
- 17 varieties in groundnut; 10 in rice; 9 each in mungbean and mustard; 8 in urdbean; 5 in pigeonpea.
- Desirable traits: higher yield, larger seed size, early maturity, drought, heat and salinity tolerance, and disease resistance.
Food Preservation Technology
- Radiation-based preservation and processing protocols developed for vegetables, fruits, pulses, and spices to reduce post-harvest losses and extend shelf life.
- Technology transferred to private entrepreneurs on a non-exclusive licensing basis for commercialisation.
Policy & Institutional Support
- Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY) offers incentives for multiproduct food irradiation units under its Integrated Cold Chain & Value Addition Infrastructure component, announced for 2024-25.
- Three food irradiation facilities commissioned in the private sector in Uttar Pradesh.
- Research funded via the Board of Research in Nuclear Sciences (BRNS), an advisory body of DAE.
Conclusion
BARC’s radiation-based crop breeding and food preservation programmes, delivered through 72 Trombay varieties and PMKSY-linked irradiation infrastructure, link nuclear science applications directly to agricultural productivity and food security.