Wedoany.com Report on Feb 10th, The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the OCP Group have recently established a five-year strategic partnership. The two organizations will jointly promote scientific innovation to strengthen global food security and advance sustainable agricultural development.
According to the cooperation plan, the two institutions will launch a coordinated research project focused on utilizing nuclear and isotope technologies to improve fertilizer use efficiency, enhance crop nutritional quality, and build more resilient food systems. This project directly supports the IAEA's Atoms4Food initiative, aiming to provide practical assistance to farmers, especially in regions facing severe food security challenges.
IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi stated: "This partnership exemplifies how strategic collaboration can amplify the impact of the Atoms4Food initiative." He noted that by combining the IAEA's expertise in nuclear technology with the OCP Group's experience in plant nutrition, there is potential to translate cutting-edge science into practical tools that help farmers optimize fertilizer use and develop climate-resilient agricultural systems.
The research will focus on the management of key macronutrients (such as nitrogen and phosphorus) and essential micronutrients (including zinc, iron, and selenium). By applying isotope techniques, the project plans to generate data to support the "4Rs" framework for nutrient management—using the Right source, at the Right rate, at the Right time, and in the Right place—providing farmers with science-based guidance.
The partners indicated that this initiative is expected to produce high-quality data to inform public policy, guide fertilizer innovation, and support the transition towards climate-friendly and nature-positive agricultural models. Furthermore, it will strengthen scientific collaboration among Africa, the IAEA, and global research networks, promoting the widespread adoption of nutrient management practices that improve soil health and crop yields.
The Atoms4Food initiative was jointly launched by the IAEA and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in 2023. It aims to use nuclear and related technologies to enhance agricultural productivity, optimize resource management, and build climate resilience, helping countries address hunger and food insecurity.
