To tackle the issues such as shortage in fruits and vegetables’ supply which leads to a sudden hike in price, the centre has given its nod to four irradiation projects under the integrated cold chain scheme. This step is taken to preserve fruits and vegetables including onions, potatoes, and tomatoes. Currently, the government has recognized four states Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka and Rajasthan where these projects will be installed.
Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Minister, MoFPI revealed this information at Lok Sabha through a written reply. Total grant of ₹23.29 crore had been approved for these projects with a total project cost of ₹68.54 crore, said Badal.
Allaying fears over possible harmful toxic residue in the produce due to irradiation, the Minister informed the House that: “Food can be irradiated only in a food irradiation plant … authorised by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board and licensed by the competent Government Authority. The license to carry out food irradiation … is given only after ascertaining the safety and security of the installation, its suitability to ensure proper process control, and availability of licensed operators and qualified staff,” she said.
Badal added that the Board of Radiation & Isotope Technology (BRIT) was providing consultancy services for establishment of such plants and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India was regulating the safety aspects of irradiated food products.
Badal said the cold chain scheme was “primarily private sector driven” and proposals under this scheme are invited through Expression of Interest.
“The entrepreneurs/promoters are free to set up an irradiation facility as per their business model and financial capability throughout the country,” she added.
Picture Credit- India TV