Kuala lumpur: The development of new crop varieties using nuclear technology could contribute to Malaysia's food security, although the research process before commercialisation usually takes several generations to ensure seed stability. Nuclear Malaysia director-general Dr Muhammad Rawi Mohamed Zin said the duration depends on the crop cycle, with each new variety required to undergo at least five generations before receiving approval from the relevant authorities.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, one generation for nuclear cassava takes between six and nine months compared with existing cassava varieties. This allows nuclear cassava to produce higher yields within a shorter period. The cassava produced also has improved characteristics, including less fibre, faster cooking time, and a softer texture. However, the new seeds must first be proven stable and meet the required characteristics before they can be commercialised.

Muhammad Rawi emphasized that Nuclear Malaysia works closely with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) and the Department of Agriculture to conduct crop trials at designated plots. Approval from the relevant authorities is essential before any new seed or agricultural product can be commercialised. Nuclear technology is currently being used in research involving several strategic crops, including padi, cassava, other tubers, bananas, and animal feed grass.

For padi, two seed varieties have been developed using the technology, with characteristics including greater resistance to diseases, climate change, and higher yields. Padi variety NMR152 can be cultivated for five seasons within two years, which can increase national rice production and farmers' income. In the banana sector, nuclear technology could help produce disease-resistant varieties, creating opportunities for Malaysia to revive production and increase exports of the commodity.

Crop selection for research is based on its potential impact on the country's food needs and economy. For kenaf, for example, Nuclear Malaysia is working with the National Kenaf and Tobacco Board on farms in Perlis and Kelantan to produce plants with larger stems and more leaves, which can increase fibre production. Additionally, nuclear technology is not only used to develop new crop varieties but also plays a role in food safety and authenticity.

Nuclear-based techniques can be used to identify the origin of products such as honey, swiftlet nests, and prawns, helping to verify whether they are genuinely produced in their claimed countries of origin. Data exists to determine whether a product is produced in Malaysia or not, highlighting one of the uses of nuclear technology in food safety and security.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) deputy secretary-general (Planning and Science Culture) Datin Safida Zalma Mohd Piah said the N.U.R@Wanita programme aims to improve public understanding of nuclear technology, which is often associated with negative perceptions. The technology has long benefited sectors such as medicine and agriculture, including radiotherapy for cancer patients and the sterilisation of hospital equipment. She added that the advocacy approach also focuses on mothers as they play an important role in introducing science and technology to children from an early age, noting that greater public understanding would be crucial should Malaysia consider nuclear technology as an alternative energy source in the future.