(a) whether India has developed 37 mutant varieties of seeds for commercial cultivation using nuclear techniques and radiation technology for food preservation;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the funds earmarked and utilised for research in this regard?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE
MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (PROF. K.V. THOMAS)
(a) & (b): A number of crop varieties have been developed in the country using
nuclear techniques in various crops including rice, millets, chickpea, pigeonpea,
mungbean, urdbean, rapeseed-mustard, groundnut, sunflower, soybean, jute and cotton.
Research in the field of radiation technology applied to agriculture and food
processing has contributed towards extending the shelf life of certain vegetables
and fruits. Processing with low dose radiation has helped in inhibiting sprouting
in onion, potato, ginger, garlic and yam; insect disinfestations of cereals, pulses,
spices and dry fruits, and making meat and meat products pathogen free.
(c) Overall budgetary support for the development of new varieties and research
on post-harvest processing is met from the Plan and Non-Plan funds. No separate fund
is specifically earmarked for these programmes.