New Delhi: Union Minister Dr Jitendra on Wednesday said twenty-five food irradiation facilities are operational in the country in private, semi government and government sector for food preservation.

In a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, Singh said the irradiation technology used for food preservation are: disinfestation of insect pests in stored products as well as fresh produce; delay in ripening and senescence in fruits and vegetables; inhibition of sprouting in tubers, bulbs and rhizomes; decontamination of microbes responsible for food spoilage, and elimination of parasites and pathogens of public health importance in food.

“Quarantine treatment of agri-produce including fruits and vegetables can be achieved with irradiation which is a mandatory phytosanitary requirement for exporting the agricultural produce to many countries,” he added.

“India has been exporting radiation processed mangoes to USA since 2007. Now export to Australia and Malaysia has also started,” Singh said.

He informed that various food business operators (FBOs) and other stakeholders are being made aware about the socio-economic benefits of the irradiation technology.

Singh said the radiation processing of grains (cereals and pulses) as well as spices and their products can help in maintaining their quality for a year; and onion and potato for around 8 months if stored in optimized condition.

“The radiation technology has immense potential in reducing post-harvest losses of the food. The installation and operation of adequate numbers of food irradiation facilities with required logistics and infrastructures across the country have enough potential to save monetary loss associated with food wastage.”