BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 27. Iran's significant advancements in agricultural product irradiation will prevent the waste of nearly half a million items in the coming months through the application of this technology, said Mohammad Eslami, Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), Trend reports.
Speaking at today's meeting at the Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Eslami noted that about 130 million tons of agricultural products are produced in Iran annually. However, approximately 30 percent of this, or 40 million tons, ends up as waste.
Eslami explained that pests and the use of various chemicals can hinder the export of agricultural products. He emphasized that irradiation of agricultural goods could resolve these issues, enhance the products' value, and support exports.
"The private sector should receive support to fully capitalize on opportunities for driving economic growth," he added.
Notably, Iran continues to affirm that its nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes and operate within international regulations, under the constant oversight of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
To recall, in January 2016, Iran and the P5+1 group (the US, Russia, China, the UK, France, and Germany) implemented the Comprehensive Joint Plan of Action concerning Iran’s nuclear program.
In May 2018, the US announced its withdrawal from the deal and reimposed sanctions on Iran.
By the end of 2020, the Iranian parliament decided to pursue a strategic plan in the nuclear sector to counter the sanctions, leading to a suspension of additional steps and the Additional Protocol as per the nuclear agreement.
Consequently, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) faced a reduction in monitoring capabilities by 20–30 percent.
Iran affirms its strategy is not to pursue an atomic bomb and firmly opposes the production of weapons of mass destruction.
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