BATAN focusing research on farming and health

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)