Gamma irradiation technology to boost agricultural exports: Minister

Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid has said Bangladesh has introduced gamma irradiation technology to improve the quality and shelf life of agricultural products and make them more competitive in international markets.

“The technology will play an effective role in extending the shelf life of agricultural products, eliminating harmful microorganisms and maintaining product quality. It will help make Bangladeshi agricultural products more competitive in international markets,” he said.

The minister made the remarks while inaugurating a newly constructed Gamma Irradiation Centre at the regional research station of the Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA) in Bhabanipur, Gazipur, on Saturday.

He said the government was working to establish agricultural products as one of the country's major export items, as most people in Bangladesh were directly or indirectly involved in agriculture.

Referring to the quality of mangoes produced in Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj and other parts of the country, the minister said gamma irradiation could help extend their shelf life and ensure microbial safety, creating greater opportunities for exports.

He also said a Chinese delegation had recently expressed interest in importing Bangladeshi mangoes. Jackfruit, another promising agricultural product, also had considerable demand in international markets because of its nutritional value.

However, he stressed that maintaining international quality and food safety standards was essential to expanding exports.

The minister said the government planned to establish similar centres gradually in major agricultural districts to reduce post-harvest losses and protect farmers' produce.

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Although the initial investment might be relatively high, he stressed the need to improve the centres' operational efficiency and develop skilled technical teams to ensure the effective use of the technology.

“Strengthening the agricultural economy will strengthen the country's overall economy. The Gamma Irradiation Centre will support the agricultural sector in advancing the national economy,” he said.

BINA Director General Dr Sarful Haque Bhuiyan chaired the inauguration ceremony.

Gazipur-3 lawmaker Dr SM Rafiqul Islam, Agriculture Ministry Secretary Md Selim Khan and Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Representative in Bangladesh Dr Xiaokun Shi, among others, also spoke at the event.

The centre has been established at a cost of Tk89 crore to support the treatment and preservation of agricultural products using nuclear technology.