Cold Plasma Technology Tackles Agricultural Contamination in Iran

Iran is expanding the peaceful application of nuclear-related technologies in agriculture, with cold plasma technology emerging as a key tool to address long-standing challenges such as contamination and post-harvest losses. Officials say the initiative marks a significant step in leveraging advanced scientific expertise—developed within the country’s nuclear sector—to enhance food security, boost exports, and improve crop quality. The use of nuclear knowledge in Iran spans medicine, healthcare, agriculture, and other civilian sectors. In agriculture, nuclear techniques have been employed since 1974, primarily aimed at improving productivity, reducing waste, and strengthening food security.

Key applications include:
Crop improvement: Through irradiation techniques such as gamma rays, new plant varieties—including wheat, barley, rice, and cotton—have been developed with higher yields, improved drought and salinity resistance, earlier maturation, and reduced water consumption. In some cases, cotton yields have reportedly increased by up to 800 kilograms per hectare. Post-harvest preservation: Irradiation of agricultural products eliminates spoilage agents, extending shelf life and reducing storage losses. Pest control: The sterile insect technique, which uses radiation to sterilize male insects, offers a chemical-free method of controlling agricultural pests. Water and soil management: Isotope tracers and neutron measurement devices help assess soil erosion and determine precise irrigation timing, potentially reducing water consumption by up to 55%.

Rafsanjan Plasma Center: Linking Technology and Pistachio Production
A major development in this field is the launch of the Rafsanjan Plasma Center in November 2024, supported by the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran and established by a domestic plasma technology company. Located in the industrial zone of Rafsanjan—widely regarded as the heart of Iran’s pistachio production—the center focuses on applying cold plasma technology to decontaminate and enhance the quality of pistachios and other dried fruits.

What Is Cold Plasma?
Plasma, often described as the “fourth state of matter,” is an ionized gas. Cold plasma is generated at near-ambient temperatures and produces reactive chemical species capable of destroying microorganisms without heat. The process is dry, non-thermal, and chemical-free, making it particularly suitable for sensitive agricultural products.

Key Benefits for Pistachio Exports
According to local officials, including the governor of Rafsanjan and the former secretary of Iran’s Pistachio Association, the technology offers several advantages:
• Effective decontamination
• Extended shelf life
• Safer, export-ready products
• Cost efficiency, with processing expenses estimated at no more than 5% of product value

Proponents argue that this modest cost is outweighed by the added value generated through improved quality and export competitiveness.

Bridging Nuclear Expertise and Civilian Innovation
Although cold plasma technology does not directly rely on nuclear fission, experts say the scientific infrastructure and technical expertise developed within Iran’s nuclear industry have provided the foundation for domestic development and localization of such advanced technologies. The Rafsanjan Plasma Center is presented as a tangible example of the peaceful use of nuclear-related knowledge in addressing practical agricultural challenges—particularly in a sector closely tied to livelihoods and non-oil exports. - Kayhan