BRIN–Bulog to safeguard food security through irradiation technology

Jakarta — The Nuclear Energy Research Organization (ORTN) of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) is examining the use of irradiation technology to control post-harvest pests in rice in collaboration with Perum Bulog. ORTN-BRIN researcher Bimo Saputro, in Jakarta on Wednesday, said the collaboration is crucial given Bulog’s target of a rice shelf life of up to 10 months, while the risk of rice weevils is often not detected during milling. Eggs of weevils, which resemble grains of rice, can hide in packaging and subsequently develop into larvae and adult insects during storage. ‘This technology can break the pests’ life cycles without damaging the physical quality and nutritional content of rice. It represents a more sustainable alternative to conventional chemical methods,’ said Bimo Saputro. In this collaboration, ORTN-BRIN researchers make direct visits to Bulog’s warehouse in East Jakarta to map storage conditions, ventilation systems, bag layouts, distribution patterns, and potential entry points for pests from the surrounding environment. The rapid step forms part of a field data-based approach to design practical and fit-for-purpose solutions. ‘The irradiation dose required is relatively low, around 1 kilogray (kGy) up to a maximum of 3 kGy,’ he added. Technically, irradiation can be applied before packaging or after packaging, depending on the operational strategy agreed. ‘That dose is sufficient to eradicate eggs and larvae hidden inside the grains. However, success in implementation heavily depends on warehouse management, tightly closed packaging, and a stringent access-control system,’ he said. It is noted that the target service capacity for the pilot phase is 4 to 5 tonnes per day. In the future, BRIN and Bulog will continue technical studies related to determining the optimal dose, conducting food safety tests, and evaluating the effectiveness of irradiation compared with other technologies.