Iran (IMNA) - The state-of-the-art facility was officially opened in the presence of the Minister of Agriculture and the head of the Atomic Energy Organization. The center represents a strategic investment, especially since Ardabil—covering less than $1\%$ of Iran’s land—accounts for about $4\%$ of its total agricultural output, including vast amounts of potatoes, wheat, and orchard fruits.
Enhancing Food Preservation and Exports
Irradiation is a process using controlled doses of ionizing radiation to extend the shelf life of perishable goods, eliminate pests, and improve food safety without chemical preservatives.
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In its first phase, the Ardabil center is set to irradiate up to 15,000 tons of produce annually, with plans for further expansion to become a major export hub in northern Iran.
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By slowing down ripening and reducing microbial contamination, the technology directly tackles the major issue of post-harvest losses, which strain farmers’ ability to maintain consistent production.
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The technology helps Iranian exporters meet strict international import requirements for produce free from pests and excessive pesticide residues, thereby gaining a valuable competitive edge in global food trade.
Science for Economic Resilience
The launch of this center is the result of a multi-year collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture and the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI). It highlights a broader national strategy to channel scientific expertise into practical applications that enhance everyday life and economic resilience.
Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei recently asserted that the nuclear industry serves purposes beyond energy production, a view perfectly exemplified by the Ardabil facility.
From an economic perspective, reducing post-harvest losses and ensuring better product quality will significantly increase farmers' revenues, stimulate local economies, and create jobs. Furthermore, the environmentally friendly process reduces spoilage and pesticide use, promoting a more sustainable farming model crucial in a country facing growing risks from climate change and water scarcity.
The center also serves as a hub for knowledge transfer and technical training, building human capital in advanced radiation technology and strengthening the local agricultural infrastructure. By establishing advanced facilities in provinces like Ardabil, the government is decentralizing development and making technology more accessible to farmers across the country.
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