BATAN focusing research on farming and health

JAKARTA (JP): The national agency on atomic technology says it has switched from long-term, costly projects to those, such as farming and public health, which give more immediate benefit to the public.

Head of the National Atomic Energy Agency (BATAN) Iyos R. Subki said on Wednesday that although the agency endured a budget cut from Rp 30 billion to Rp 16 billion last year, it was not the main cause of the reorientation of the agency.

"Technology should actually support a populist economy," Iyos said.

Batan was previously associated with controversial nuclear project plans.

Iyos said the agency would continue its long-term project to conduct a study of alternative energy sources, such as geothermal energy.

"But farming and health are our main focus now," Iyos said.

Iyos spoke at a news conference to announce the agency's research results from the last two years.

Sofyan Yatim, who is in charge of public education of atomic energy, said the agency succeeded in using atomic radiation to engineer prime seeds for rice, soybeans, bananas and other crops.

He said the prime seeds were already used in 31 regencies in 10 provinces in Java, North Sumatra, North Nusa Tenggara, and Sulawesi.

He said the agency also engineered formulated cattle feed for improved growth and better milk production.

In the health sector, the agency has produced cancer detectors, renographs to detect kidney malfunction and antiradiation vests for radiologists.

Iyos said the medical hardware was sold for one third to half of the price of imported equipment.

Health officials have raised concern about the lack of technology to produce medical equipment in the country. (08)