Applications of Radio-Isotopes in Agriculture by B S Sastry

trusciencetrutechnology Vol.2008, No.12 Dated 20th Dec 2008

Adjoining Photo of late Prof K.Rangadhama Rao

D.Sc.(Madras) D.Sc.(London) of Andhra University, Waltair

Applications of Radio-Isotopes in Agriculture:
By
Dr.B.S.Sastry,
Jt.Secretary Gandhi Center, Dwaraka nagar,Visakhapatnam
Phone No.0891-2505134

1 Gamma Irradiation brings mutation in Seeds this helps.
a. In improving Quality of Seeds
b. makes seeds resistant to several harmful diseases
c. Brings out better yield in Crops.
2. Gamma irradiation of stored foods enhances the self-life.

However this irradiation by Gamma Rays will not make the products radioactive as it will not change the Chemical Element.
3. Radioisotopes can be used:

to study mobility characteristics of fertilizers in soil and uptake of materials in plants.
Also radio-tracers are helpful to get a clear understanding of flow of micronutrients
PROJECTS AND DEVELOPMENT INDIA Ltd.
Service Years 1967-1996 (centric PSU) with about 400 Gadgets:
Sindhri R & D laboratories and
Hindusthan Fertilizer Corporation Ltd.
Agricultural Wing jointly developed facilities for the above studies both at the levels of laboratory and extended fields.
The facilities included:
A. Spot irradiation Chamber,(Gamma Chamber) containing 2500 Ci Cobalt-60
B. Extended field irradiation facility to plants & crops in an area of 8 acres, known as Gamma-Garden with 1000 Ci cobalt-60 specialized.
C). Radio-Tracer Lab having Glove Boxes, Beta, Gamma Chamber Facilities also are used by Agricultural Wing(PUSA) at Rajendhra Nagar Agricultural College, Bihar:
RESULTS ACHIEVED:
Changes of inferior quality Ground nut seeds to a good quality an of higher yields types.
Quality changes in some Pulses & millets
Increase of Sugar content in Sugar Cane
Suitable plantations identification in various soils.
Economic application of Fertilizers & micronutrients for achieving high agricultural yields.
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Worked as a consultant:
to Bokaro Steel Ltd.,
Organized Radiation Safety Training Programs for Public Sector Organizations
Lab Types Specialized:
Type A: To handle 2500 Ci like BARC organizations.
Type B: upto 100 Ci (max)
Type: C: upto 1milli Ci
Walls design with Epoxy (plastic emulsions) paints to be used for the lab walls
Entry:
By protective clothes (in a change Room) with shoe carriers/Apron overcoats/ that are required essentially.
Studied all aspects mentioned in Proc of Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy during the years 1958-1962.
Design aspects:
Of Steel Plants alignment of Coke oven with push and quenching cars by using systems of Radioactive Sources.
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Other Major and Minor Activities:
A. Formed a Northern Zone accreditation organization was approved by BARC and under Atomic Energy Department of PM Secretariat.
Organized joint ventures for a batch of 30/40 students at a time for about 5 to 6 courses.

B. Was present and Showed Homi J .Bhabha the authors work on Beta and Gamma Spectrometers Siegbahn-Slatis laboratory established at Nuclear Research Centre of Andhra University Colleges, the photos of his visit were published in local Telugu Daily Newspaper during the1960s decade.

C. Advisory Member Environmental Monitoring Committee, Visakhapatnam Port Trust.

D. Consultant to Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board zone office of Visakhapatnam
The author of the above article ( a student of 1958 B.Sc. Physics(Hons) course at Andhra University,Waltair) sought a photograph( displayed below) of late professor K.Rangadhama Rao D.Sc.(Madras) D.Sc.(London) who was Professor Manne Siegbhan labs of University of Uppsala, Sweden.
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