How nuclear science is reshaping agriculture

Prof Dr Intikhab Ulfat

From pest control and crop improvement to water management and food safety, nuclear techniques are helping farmers meet the challenges of climate change and food security

By Dr Intikhab Ulfat

Nuclear technology is often associated with electricity generation and medical applications, yet its contribution to agriculture and food security is equally significant. At a time when climate change, water scarcity, pests, plant diseases, and declining productivity threaten global food systems, nuclear science is helping countries develop more resilient and sustainable agriculture. Through cooperation between the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), nuclear techniques are increasingly being used to improve crop production, protect natural resources, and strengthen food security.

The importance of these technologies is growing as agriculture faces unprecedented pressure from climate change, population growth, shrinking arable land, and emerging plant diseases. The United Nations estimates that global food production must increase substantially in the coming decades to meet rising demand, while natural resources such as water and fertile soil are becoming increasingly constrained. Nuclear and isotope techniques do not replace conventional agricultural practices; rather, they complement them by providing scientists and farmers with more precise tools to improve productivity, conserve resources, and build resilience to environmental stresses.

Plants provide nearly 80 percent of the world's food supply, yet large portions of agricultural production are lost annually to pests, diseases, and environmental stress. Nuclear science offers practical solutions to many of these challenges.

One of the most successful applications is the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT). Instead of relying solely on chemical pesticides, male insects are sterilized using radiation and released into the environment. When they mate with wild insects, no offspring are produced, gradually reducing pest populations. The technique has been used successfully against fruit flies and other destructive pests, helping farmers protect crops while reducing pesticide use and environmental contamination.

Nuclear science also contributes to mutation breeding, a process in which seeds or plant tissues are exposed to controlled radiation to accelerate naturally occurring genetic variations. Scientists then select plants with desirable characteristics such as drought tolerance, disease resistance, heat resilience, and higher yields. This method has produced improved varieties of rice, wheat, bananas, and many other crops around the world, helping agriculture adapt to changing climatic conditions.

Another important contribution is the early detection of plant diseases. Nuclear-assisted diagnostic tools enable scientists to identify pests and pathogens rapidly and accurately, often before outbreaks become widespread. Such technologies have been particularly useful in managing diseases such as Fusarium wilt in bananas, helping protect crops, farmer livelihoods, and agricultural economies.

Nuclear techniques are also valuable for the efficient management of soil, water, and nutrients. By tracing nutrients such as nitrogen, scientists can determine how effectively crops use fertilizers, allowing farmers to reduce waste, improve yields, lower production costs, and minimize environmental damage. In water-scarce regions, isotope-based studies help improve irrigation practices and support climate-smart agriculture.

Beyond production, nuclear science strengthens food safety and international trade. Isotope and related analytical techniques can detect contaminants, verify food authenticity, and trace the geographical origin of products. These tools help countries meet international quality standards, protect consumers, and gain access to global markets.

The benefits of nuclear techniques are not confined to advanced economies. Many developing countries are increasingly using these tools to improve agricultural productivity, strengthen food security, and adapt to changing environmental conditions. In regions where farming remains a major source of employment and income, such innovations can play an important role in reducing losses, improving livelihoods, and supporting national development goals.

Pakistan provides a notable example of the peaceful application of nuclear technology in agriculture. Through the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) and its specialized agricultural research institutions, nuclear and related techniques have been used for crop improvement, pest management, soil sciences, water management, biotechnology, and food security.

Over the decades, PAEC institutions have developed improved varieties of major crops, including wheat, rice, cotton, pulses, oilseeds, and vegetables. These varieties offer higher yields, improved quality, and better resistance to pests, diseases, and climatic stresses. According to PAEC, more than 150 crop varieties developed through its research programs are being used by farmers across the country.

One of the most significant achievements was the development of NIAB-78 cotton, which played a transformative role in Pakistan's cotton sector after its introduction in the early 1980s. Widely cultivated across Punjab and Sindh, the variety contributed to higher cotton production and generated substantial economic benefits. Given the importance of cotton and textiles to Pakistan's exports, improvements in cotton productivity also supported industry, employment, and national income.

Pakistan has also applied the Sterile Insect Technique to help control agricultural pests, reducing dependence on chemical spraying. In addition, isotope and nuclear hydrology studies have improved understanding of groundwater movement, irrigation efficiency, and water availability. For a country facing recurring water shortages, these technologies provide valuable tools for resource conservation and agricultural planning.

Collaboration among PAEC, the IAEA, FAO, and national research partners demonstrates how international scientific cooperation can support local development goals. Ongoing work on climate-resilient crop varieties highlights the growing importance of nuclear techniques in helping agriculture adapt to environmental change.

The experience of Pakistan and many other countries illustrates that nuclear science extends far beyond reactors and laboratories. Its benefits are visible in improved seeds, healthier crops, safer food, better water management, and stronger rural economies. As governments seek sustainable ways to feed growing populations amid climate change and resource constraints, investments in agricultural research and innovation are becoming increasingly important. Nuclear science, when applied responsibly and for peaceful purposes, offers practical solutions that can help bridge the gap between food demand and agricultural capacity. Its contribution may often remain invisible to consumers, but it is increasingly evident in the seeds planted by farmers, the crops harvested from fields, and the food that reaches markets and households.

The author is Professor and Chairman, Department of Physics, University of Karachi

(Originally published in the weekly Social Track, Karachi)

Photos courtesy: IAEA, PAEC