Food security: Use of gamma-radiation to control pests discussed
Methyl bromide had been banned by the WTO as it was an environment hazard.
LAHORE:
“Pakistan is a leading producer and exporter of raw horticultural commodities,” Minister for Agriculture Furrukh Javed said at the inaugural session of an international workshop, Commercial Exploitation and Food Irradiation Technology in Pakistan: Potentials, Opportunities and Challenges, at the Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research Laboratories Complex on Wednesday.
He said that pests and pathogens affecting agricultural produce were a major problem for most countries. Methyl bromide had been banned by the WTO as it was an environment hazard. Treating food commodities with gamma-radiation was a cleaner, safer, and environment-friendly alternative for decontamination and extension of shelf-life.Javed said the workshop would help create awareness among traders, processors, exporters, policymakers and potential investors regarding the use of gamma-radiation for treatment of food.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 3rd, 2013.
“Pakistan is a leading producer and exporter of raw horticultural commodities,” Minister for Agriculture Furrukh Javed said at the inaugural session of an international workshop, Commercial Exploitation and Food Irradiation Technology in Pakistan: Potentials, Opportunities and Challenges, at the Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research Laboratories Complex on Wednesday.
He said that pests and pathogens affecting agricultural produce were a major problem for most countries. Methyl bromide had been banned by the WTO as it was an environment hazard. Treating food commodities with gamma-radiation was a cleaner, safer, and environment-friendly alternative for decontamination and extension of shelf-life.Javed said the workshop would help create awareness among traders, processors, exporters, policymakers and potential investors regarding the use of gamma-radiation for treatment of food.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 3rd, 2013.