Question : Radiation Processing Technology

(a) Whether the Government proposes to adopt radiation processing technology developed by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) for preservation and conservation of fruits and vegetables including onions, potatoes and tomatoes to address the issue of supply side shortage that often results in price rise and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the Government has undertaken any study regarding safety concerns related to the radiation processing technology and if so, the outcome thereof;

(c) the places identified for setting up of radiation processing plants in the country including Maharashtra;

(d) the expenditure likely to be incurred thereon; and

(e) the time by which these radiation plants are likely to be set up?

THE MINISTER OF FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES
(SMT. HARSIMRAT KAUR BADAL)

(a) to (e): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.


STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. *436 FOR ANSWERED ON 23RD JULY, 2019 REGARDING RADIATION PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY.

(a): Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, amended the Prevention of Food Adulteration Rules (1954) in 1994, permitting irradiation of onion, potato and spices for internal marketing and consumption in India. Subsequently, a number of other food items were permitted for radiation processing. Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) is implementing Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY), under which financial assistance is given for setting up of the food-processing infrastructure, including irradiation facility.

(b): Taking into account studies undertaken by World Health Organisation, Food & Agricultural Organisation and International Atomic Energy Agency, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has endorsed the safety of this technology.

(c): As informed by BARC, there are 16 irradiation plants operational as on date and another 8 plants will be functional in the year 2019-2020. (Annexure-I).

(d): As informed by BARC, the estimated cost of setting up a commercial irradiation facility comes in the range of Rs. 15-20 crores excluding land cost.

(e): As informed by BARC, in the year 2019-2020, 8 new plants are expected to be functional.




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