Batan Develops Plantations Resistant To Climate Change
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Jumat, 19 Oktober 2018 20:52 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Nuclear Board (Batan) has been developing plantations using radiation since early 1980s. The plantation variety is made to be able to withstand the negative effect of climate change and pest attacks.
During the recent years, Batan has been developing new variety of sorgum and wheat using gamma radiation. The wheat grain variety, named Ganesha, is designed to grow in tropical environment.
"The variety is suitable for Indonesia and we have acquired the test certificate," said Hendig Winarno, head of Radiation and Isotope Application Center (PAIR) to reporters on March 4. "The wheat grain is especially suitable to be grown on high elevations for higher productivity."
The certification was issued by the Agricultural Ministry following the test done by Batan in 16 spots of trials, including Cipanas in West Java, South Sulawesi and North Sumatra.
The seeds produced by Batan have been planted in some regions in Indonesia.
"As far as I know, the rice variety has been widely grown all over provinces in Indonesia," said Soeratno Human, PAIR's Seed Researcher and Developer. Meanwhile, the sorgum - aimed as an alternative to rice - is still in dissemination stage. "There is private food company interested in developing our sorgum," said Soeranto.
GABRIEL TITIYOGA
