From January 29 – February 2, 2024, CRDF Global traveled with an international team of experts to Kathmandu, Nepal, to hold a series of consultation meetings in support of the Sustained Dialogue on Peaceful Uses (SDPU). The SDPU meetings focused on expanding the discussion around access to nuclear science and technology as a development tool for agriculture in Nepal. Participants engaged in discussions on topics including radiation-based treatment methods for processing food products, Nepal’s technological capacity in the agriculture sector, and social cleavages around irradiation of produce in a variety of formats. The aim of these consultations was to design a year-long feasibility study that will explore the application of food irradiation technology to reduce post-harvest loss of crops and facilitate exports to improve food security. Key stakeholders included the Nepal Development Research Institute (NDRI), key experts from US government agencies and academic institutions, and representatives from the Nepalese government and academic sectors.
These discussions focused on addressing United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2 (Zero Hunger), with a particular focus on SDG target 2.2 focused on ending all forms of malnutrition and target 2.4 focused on ensuring sustainable food production systems and implementing resilient agricultural practices. This event also touched on SDGs 3 (Good Health & Wellbeing), 13 (Climate Action), and 17 (Partnerships).
To read more about this activity and its outcomes, please read the activity report available here.
For any questions on this event, please reach out to the organizer SDPU@crdfglobal.org.
