RADIATION PROCESSING
OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS
Dr.
A. K. Sharma*
Conservative estimates
put post-harvest losses in food and agricultural commodities in
India between 20 to 50 per cent, valued at thousands of crores
of rupees. These losses are primarily due to insect infestation,
microbiological contamination and physiological changes as a result
of sprouting, ripening and senescence. Conventionally, post-harvest
losses could be prevented by techniques such as cold storage,
fumigation and drying.
Radiation technology
can complement and supplement existing technologies to ensure
food security and safety. It provides effective alternative to
fumigants that are being phased out due to their adverse effects
on environment and human health. Radiation processing technology
can be used for disinfestation of foodgrains and pulses, inhibition
of sprouting in bulbs and tubers, extending shelf-life under recommended conditions
of storage, ensuring microbiological safety and in overcoming
quarantine barriers to international trade.
The technology can
also be used for hygienization and sterilization of non-food items
including cut-flowers, pet food, cattle feed, aqua feed, ayurvedic
herbs and medicines and packaging materials.
Development
Radiation processing
technology has been developed through worldwide R&D efforts
of more than four decades. India is one of the few countries in
the world having the necessary expertise and know-how for deployment
of this technology.
Radiation processing
involves controlled application of energy of ionizing radiation
such as gamma rays, x-rays, and accelerated electrons.
The process is approved
by international bodies like WHO, FAO, IAEA and Codex Alimentarius
Commission. More than 40 countries have approved the process for
over 100 items of food. First approved in India in 1994, over
20 commodities have been approved by the Directorate General of
Health Services so far. The processing is carried out in plants
on approval by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board and the local
food and drug administration.
Two technology demonstration
units have been set up by the Department of Atomic Eenergy. One
is at Vashi, Navi Mumbai, for application of high doses for commodities
such as spices and dry vegetables with a capacity of 30 tons per
day and another at Lasalgaon near Nashik for commodities like
onion, with a capacity of 10 tons per day, cereals, pulses and
their products, and cut-flowers requiring low dose irradiation.
Entrepreneurs in private and co-operative sectors have shown interest
in setting up radiation processing plants. A women’s NGO, Annapurna
Mahila Mandal, is selling radiation-processed spices in and around
Mumbai. There is a need to deploy and integrate this technology
with the national system for procurement, storage, distribution,
and marketing of agro-produce. Radiation processing plants designed
to process several products requiring specified range of radiation
doses need to be set up in private, co-operative and public sector.
Radiation processing
can help maximize returns on farm output. It can make Indian agricultural
produce globally competitive. Export development authorities,
commodity boards, food industry, farmers, traders and exporters
of agricultural commodities can benefit from the use of radiation
processing technology.
The users under the
Ministries of Agriculture, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs
and Commerce as well as private entrepreneurs need to perceive
the application of this technology on a commercial scale.
For adopting
and expanding the use of this technology, rules and regulations
will need to be amended. For example, the quarantine regulations
need to be amended for application of the technology to export
or import of agro-horticultural produce. (PIB Features)
*
Head, Food Technology Division, BARC, Mumbai
