Nuclear Technology in Medicine and Agriculture

Summary of Nuclear Technology Applications in Medicine and Agriculture by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE)

1. Nuclear Technology in Medicine:

• Applications: Focused on cancer treatment through nuclear medicine and radioisotopes.
• Production Centers:
  • Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) produces radioisotopes and radiopharmaceuticals.
  • Distribution through the Board of Radiation and Isotope Technology (BRIT) to nuclear medicine centers nationwide.
• Indigenous Development: DAE is advancing the domestic production of radiopharmaceuticals to provide affordable alternatives to imported products.
• Key Radioisotopes:
  • Yttrium-90 from Ruthenium-106, Cesium-137, and Strontium-90 through high-level liquid waste reprocessing.
• New Developments:
  • PSMA-617 (peptide-based ligand) for prostate cancer treatment.
  • PSMA-11 as an indigenous option for 68Ga-PSMA-11 used in prostate cancer diagnosis.
• Radiopharmaceuticals Approved:
  • 99mTc-HYNIC-TOC for neuroendocrine tumor imaging.
  • 68Ga-PSMA-11 for prostate cancer imaging.
  • 177Lu-PSMA-617 for prostate cancer therapy.

2. Nuclear Technology in Agriculture:

• Collaboration: DAE works with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and state agricultural universities.
• Developed Crop Varieties:
  • 72 advanced crop varieties including rice, mustard, peanut, wheat, and soybean have been developed using radiation-induced mutation and hybridization.
  • Traits include higher yield, better quality, drought resistance, and disease resistance.
• Food Preservation:
  • Promotion of radiation technologies for food preservation.
  • Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for radiation treatment of agricultural products have been developed.
• Food Irradiation Facilities:
  • 42 food irradiation facilities established in India to enhance the shelf life of perishable products.
  • Use of Cobalt-60 in sterilization and storage of food products.
• Government Support:
  • Under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY), incentives for establishing multi-product food irradiation units are being offered for 2024-25.

3. Economic and Policy Context:

• Impact on Farmers: The developed crop varieties have gained popularity among farmers, enhancing agricultural productivity.
• Health Sector Contribution: The advancements in nuclear medicine are crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment of various cancers.

4. Government Schemes and Initiatives:

• Prime Minister’s Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY): Aimed at improving food processing and preservation through technology transfer to private entrepreneurs.
• Radiation Technology Transfer: DAE offers technologies to private sector entities at nominal fees to enhance food processing efficiency.

5. Future Prospects:

• The DAE aims to continue enhancing the application of nuclear technology in both medicine and agriculture, ensuring the availability of advanced treatment options and improving food security through innovative agricultural practices.

This summary encapsulates the crucial aspects of the Department of Atomic Energy's initiatives in utilizing nuclear technology for healthcare and agricultural advancements, reflecting its broader implications for public health and food security in India.