Australia is supporting a brand new regional initiative led by Fiji in partnership with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) underneath the Regional Cooperative Agreement for Research, Development and Training Related to Nuclear Science and Technology for Asia and the Pacific (RCA) to strengthen meals safety throughout Asia and the Pacific utilizing nuclear science and expertise.
The undertaking, Enhancing Disease Tolerance in Vegetatively Propagated Crops by means of Mutation Breeding and Associated Biotechnologies, was formally launched at its first coordination assembly held from 9-13 March 2026, bringing collectively specialists from throughout the area to align on aims, implementation plans, and nationwide contributions.
The launch comes at a big second for Fiji, which is presently serving as Chair of the RCA for the primary time. Fiji can be main the undertaking because the Lead Country Coordinator, highlighting its rising management in regional technical cooperation and its energetic function in driving collaboration on shared agricultural challenges. Fiji performed the lead function in creating the undertaking and is now guiding its implementation, serving to to facilitate cooperation and information change amongst collaborating nations.
Running from 2026 to 2029, the undertaking goals to strengthen the resilience of key crops by bettering their resistance to illnesses by means of mutation breeding and associated biotechnologies. Vegetatively propagated crops-including banana, cassava, taro, ginger, and yams-are important to livelihoods and meals safety throughout the area but are extremely susceptible to the unfold of illnesses by means of contaminated planting materials. Through the appliance os nuclear strategies, resembling irradiation-induced mutation breeding, the undertaking will assist the event of improved crop varieties which might be extra proof against illness and higher tailored to environmental pressures.
A key focus of the initiative is supporting RCA nations to construct technical capability in mutation breeding and plant illness administration. Through regional coaching programs, skilled missions, scientific exchanges and coordinated analysis actions, collaborating nations will strengthen their means to sustainably enhance crop productiveness and resilience.
Australia is supporting the undertaking by means of its engagement within the RCA, contributing to regional cooperation, information change and capability constructing within the peaceable purposes of nuclear science and expertise.
Natascha Spark, ANSTO’s Senior Manager International Affairs (left), who attended the coordination assembly nearly as Australia’s National Representative to the RCA, highlighted the significance of the initiative and Fiji’s management.
“Australia is pleased to support Fiji in leading this important RCA project, particularly as it marks Fiji’s first time serving as Chair of the RCA. This initiative demonstrates the strength of regional cooperation, with countries working together to apply nuclear science and technology to address shared challenges in food security and sustainable agriculture,” Ms Spark stated.
With 16 nations collaborating, the undertaking displays robust regional dedication to tackling agricultural challenges by means of science, innovation and collaboration, contributing to the IAEA’s Atoms4Food initiative and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger.