19 October 2008: On World Food Day, celebrated on 18
October, the Joint UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)/International
Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Division of Nuclear techniques in Food and
Agriculture (NAFA) highlighted the role of nuclear technology in developing new
crop varieties that can withstand climate-induced external stress, such as
drought, and thereby contributing to achieving sustainable food security.

The
Joint FAO/IAEA Division assists FAO and IAEA member States in the
implementation of plant breeding programmes using radiation-induced mutation
and efficiency-enhancing biotechnologies. Its objective is to enhance food
security through sustainable crop production using strategic fundamental and
applied crop science research, technology transfer, capacity building, policy
advice, and information management. [IAEA Press
Release] [NAFA Website]