New IAEA projects to improve farming practices and farm animal health

Improved farming practices, healthier animals and — ultimately — increased food security will be the outcome of two new International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) projects.

The initiatives will bring benefits around the globe, including for poor farmers in developing Asian countries.

According to IAEA, part of a $600,000 grant by the OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries) Fund for International Development will go towards helping rice farmers in Bangladesh, Cambodia, Lao People's Democratic Republic and Nepal cope with the effects of climate change.

These countries – which produce a majority of world's rice – have seen fluctuating yields in recent years due to rising temperatures that bring plant diseases and insect pests, extreme floods and droughts as well as increased soil salinity as a result of rising sea levels that lower soil fertility in coastal areas.

"By using nuclear and isotopic techniques, scientists can help farmers improve water management practices and optimize the use of fertilizer for best yields at the lowest cost," said IAEA.

The funds will also go towards the application of nuclear-related techniques for the diagnosis of foot-and-mouth disease and other fast-spreading contagious diseases impacting cattle in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Viet Nam.

Vibhu Mishra, United Nations/GBCONLINEE
---DECRYPTED---