Rwanda to Boost Farm Yields with Atomic Science

Rwanda will use radiation and isotope technology to protect crops, eliminate farm pests, and increase food supply.

Armand Zingiro, the Minister of State for Infrastructure, disclosed this plan at the 70th Regular Session of the IAEA General Conference in Vienna, Austria.

The conference runs from September 14 to 18. Zingiro explained that the country wants to join Atoms4Food, a joint program run by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

Using atomic methods in farming involves radiation and isotope tools, these tools help farmers protect natural resources, stop post-harvest food damage, raise healthier animals, and improve nutrition.

Zingiro stated that his government will work with the IAEA and FAO to review local capacity, identify primary needs, and build a farm program tailored to the country.

Building local atomic infrastructure

This agricultural project expands the country’s existing science pipeline, which includes plans for electricity generation and a research reactor.

In March, the IAEA sent an Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review team to assess the country's readiness for atomic power.

Following that visit, officials created an Integrated Work Plan to address safety guidelines and build national laws.

Zingiro noted that government will continue working with international monitors to implement that plan.

A second team of international experts visited in July to inspect plans for a research reactor. That facility will form part of the country’s main Centre for Nuclear Science and Technology.

The inspection team provided advice on technical training, worker skills, and institutional needs. Beyond agriculture and power, the nation is expanding atomic tools into health services.

Government projects currently focus on improving cancer diagnosis and medical treatments using radiopharmaceutical production and PET imaging, a specialised scanning technique that detects diseases inside the body.

Zingiro affirmed that all domestic activities will strictly follow international safety, security, and radiation rules.