Nuclear technology and agriculture: How Tanzania nearly doubled rice yields
Tanzania is harnessing the power of nuclear technology to address food security challenges and modernise its agricultural sector.
By focusing on increasing crop yields and improving research capabilities, Tanzania is making significant strides in ensuring that its population has access to sufficient food.
A prime example of this progress is the introduction of the high-yielding rice variety, SUPA BC, developed using nuclear technology. This breakthrough, combined with advancements in research and training, demonstrates the transformative potential of nuclear science in agriculture and highlights the role it plays in Tanzania’s future.
In 2011, Tanzania introduced SUPA BC, a rice variety developed with the support of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The SUPA BC variety was a game-changer for Tanzania’s agriculture sector, increasing rice yields from 4 tonnes to 7 tonnes per hectare, nearly doubling the productivity of rice farms across the country.
The success of SUPA BC is not just a result of the application of nuclear technology but also a testament to Tanzania’s growing research capacity.
The implementation of agricultural projects involving nuclear techniques has led to the establishment of innovative research facilities across the country.
New laboratories specialising in tissue culture, molecular biology, and biotechnology have been set up to further explore crop improvement and disease resistance.
These state-of-the-art facilities are helping to develop additional high-yielding crop varieties that will continue to boost Tanzania’s food production.
In November 2024, the Tanzania Atomic Energy Commission (TAEC) inaugurated a new office and laboratory complex in Dunga – Zuze, Zanzibar. During this event, the Zanzibar Agricultural Research Institute (ZARI) showcased its high-yielding rice seed varieties, developed in collaboration with the IAEA.
This presentation was praised by Zanzibar President Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, who commended the significant contributions of nuclear technology to agricultural productivity and food security in the region.
Additionally, Mantra Tanzania Limited, a subsidiary of Uranium One Group, showcased its advanced nuclear technologies, further highlighting the diverse applications of nuclear innovations in Tanzania’s development.
The establishment of these research facilities is not only enhancing Tanzania’s ability to produce more food but also advancing scientific manpower in the country.
Local researchers have been trained in mutation breeding and biotechnology, learning from international experts on how to use nuclear technology to improve crop resilience.
This training has been instrumental in developing not only SUPA BC but also other rice varieties that are resistant to diseases such as rice yellow mottle virus, a major threat to rice crops in Tanzania.
These advancements in research capacity align with global trends, where nuclear technology is applied to agriculture in innovative ways.
For instance, in Russia, Rosatom, the country’s nuclear energy giant, is supporting the establishment of biogas power plants. These plants are modernising agriculture by creating cleaner and more efficient farming practices. Rosatom’s efforts to integrate nuclear technology into various sectors demonstrate the potential for further collaboration in Tanzania, as these technologies can enhance not just food production but also sustainability across industries.
“Nuclear technology is promising area that may improve our lives in different areas – from energy supply to healthcare and food production and security. Agriculture being a vital part of Tanzania’s economy also requires modern solutions to implement for reaching better results. And recent breakthroughs like crop improvement presents the potential of nuclear technologies use for creating a sustainable future,” notes Professor Najat Mohammed, Director General of Tanzania Atomic Energy Commission
Across Africa, Tanzania is a part of a growing trend of nuclear technology being used to improve agricultural productivity and food security. Several African countries have successfully introduced new crop varieties using nuclear techniques, demonstrating the power of science to address food shortages and improve resilience to environmental challenges.
In Zambia, for example, nuclear technology has been applied to develop drought-tolerant maize varieties. With the support of the IAEA and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Zambian researchers used radiation-induced mutation to enhance maize crops’ ability to withstand long dry spells.
Similarly, Nigeria has benefited from nuclear technology through the development of a high-yielding, disease-resistant cowpea variety, which is a major food crop in West Africa.
Ghana has also embraced nuclear technology to improve the yields of cassava and yam, two important staple crops. The new varieties developed through mutation breeding are more resistant to pests and diseases, helping farmers produce larger and more reliable harvests.
These examples from across the African continent highlight the significant impact that nuclear technology can have on agriculture.
By applying science to develop crop varieties that are more resilient to environmental challenges, countries like Tanzania, Zambia, Nigeria, Sudan, and Ghana are improving their food security and supporting economic development.
Despite progress in agricultural production, food insecurity remains a pressing issue in Tanzania. According to the World Bank, approximately 10% of Tanzania’s population is food insecure.
The introduction of nuclear technology into agriculture presents a promising solution to this problem. The success of the SUPA BC rice variety, with its ability to nearly double yields, demonstrates how innovative technologies can make a significant difference in food production.
By continuing to develop new crop varieties using nuclear techniques, Tanzania can increase its agricultural output and reduce its dependence on food imports, contributing to improved food security for its population.
In addition to rice, nuclear technology is being applied to other important crops in Tanzania, such as maize and barley, as a part of national agricultural projects.
These initiatives are focused on improving crop resilience and ensuring that Tanzania’s agricultural sector can meet the growing demands of its population.
By modernising its agricultural practices and investing in scientific research, Tanzania is taking important steps toward reducing hunger and ensuring a stable food supply for all its citizens.
The progress Tanzania has made in applying nuclear technology to agriculture is just the beginning. With continued support from international organisations such as the IAEA, the country is well-positioned to become a leader in agricultural innovation in Africa.
The ongoing development of new crop varieties, combined with the establishment of advanced research facilities, will ensure that Tanzania’s agricultural sector remains resilient and productive in the face of challenges like climate change and population growth.
The training of local scientists and the strengthening of research infrastructure are key components of Tanzania’s strategy for sustained agricultural growth. By equipping the next generation of researchers with the tools and knowledge to continue improving crops, Tanzania is building a future where science and technology drive agricultural success.
As the country continues to invest in nuclear technology, it is setting an example for other African nations to follow, demonstrating that science and innovation are powerful tools for addressing food insecurity and promoting economic growth.
