Department of Agriculture Region 11 and Philippine Nuclear Research Institute have partnered to strengthen food safety and agricultural sustainability through the use of advanced non-destructive testing technologies for detecting heavy metals in crops.
The collaboration was formalized through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed on May 4 under the project titled “Development and Application of Rapid, Non-Destructive Heavy Metal Detection Techniques in Plant Materials.”
As part of the initiative, DA-11 demonstrated equipment designed for rapid, non-destructive detection of heavy metal contamination in agricultural products. The project aims to improve testing efficiency while preserving plant samples during the inspection process.
In an interview with the Philippine News Agency, Macario Gonzaga, Director of DA-11, highlighted the importance of integrating advanced testing technologies into the agricultural sector.
“This is about securing the future of our high-value crops like coconut, mango, coffee, and corn through innovation and collaboration. Science and agriculture must walk hand-in-hand to meet modern challenges,” Gonzaga added.
The initiative addresses increasing concerns regarding heavy metal contamination in agricultural produce by introducing rapid testing methods capable of screening crops without causing physical damage. The technology is expected to accelerate the inspection process for crops including coconut, mango, banana, cacao, coffee, corn and cabbage.
Under the agreement, both agencies will pursue joint research and development activities focused on enhancing scientific and technical capabilities for contaminant detection. The partnership will also support knowledge exchange and collaborative innovation between the agriculture and nuclear research sectors.
The deployment of rapid non-destructive testing techniques reflects a growing emphasis on advanced inspection technologies in agriculture, where accurate and efficient material evaluation is becoming increasingly important for ensuring food quality, safety and regulatory compliance.
Reference: https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1274417
