On the occasion of commemoration of 6th August Hiroshima Day, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MoEST) in collaboration with Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), Nepal Development Research Institute (NDRI) and Hiroshima University Scholars’ Alumni Nepal (HIUSAN) organized a workshop on 6 August 2023 at NAST premises on “Nuclear Science and Technology for Peace and Development” with focus on Food Irradiation Technologies.
The aim of the workshop was to briefly discuss the use of Nuclear Science and Technology (NST) for peaceful use and development so that people would start thinking in a different direction that would be beneficial for Nepal. The workshop represented a shift in the discourse from the painful events of the past to the prospect of peaceful use as an opportunity.
There were two key presentations: (i) Legal Framework of Nuclear Science and Technology delivered by Mr. Bishwo Babu Pudasaini (Joint Secretary, MoEST); (ii) Prospects of Electron-beam (e-beam) Technology-Food for Thought delivered by Dr. Jaya Kumar Gurung (Senior Research Specialist, NDRI); which was followed by lively discussion on the prospects and challenges of the food irradiation technologies such as e-beam.
It was discussed that the use of NST is prominent in medical sector in Nepal. However, its use in food safety and security has not been explored so far. Post-harvest loss is a major concern in Nepal, and using e-beam technology could help control it, contributing to food security. E-beam is a process in which high velocity electrons are concentrated into a narrow beam with high density which is used to extend the life and ensure the safety to food products without losing its characteristics.
The workshop was graced by the presence of Hon’ble Pramila Kumari (State Minister, MoEST) as the Chief Guest, Ms. Pramila Devi Bajracharya (Secretary, MoEST) as the Chair; Prof. Dr. Dillip Subba (VC, NAST) and representatives from MoEST and other government ministries, NAST, HIUSAN, private sectors and universities.
NDRI was represented by President, Dr. Nawa Raj Khatiwada; Executive Director, Dr. Shankar Shrestha; Senior Research Specialists, Dr. Jaya Kumar Gurung, Dr. Krishna Pahari, Dr. Manjeshwori Singh and Dr. Kishor Dahal; and Senior Admin and Finance Assistant, Mr. Anjan Silwal.