(a) whether the Government is contemplating on using large scale nuclear irradiation technology for increasing the shelf life of fruits and vegetables and if so, the details thereof; and
(b) the steps taken by the Government for establishing irradiation plants for the purpose alongside warehouses of Central Warehousing Corporation and Food Corporation of India, especially those situated around metro cities for the benefit of farmers?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
(SHRI C. R. CHAUDHARY)
(a): Yes, Madam. Government of India (Department of Atomic Energy) has cleared several commodities under the Atomic Energy (Radiation Processing of Food & Allied Products) Rules 2012 in Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011 for preservation through irradiation. Currently there are 15 food irradiation plants in India. Among this, two have been set up by Government of India, one by Maharashtra Government and the rest 12 by private entrepreneurs.
(b): Central Warehousing Corporation and Food Corporation of India have warehouses for storage of foodgrains. They do not deal with fruits and vegetables.
****