Radiation Processing:

The Institute undertakes radiation processing activities using a Multipurpose Gamma Irradiation Facility (MPGIF). The Cobalt-60 radioisotope is the core of the MPGIF.

The facility is used to carry out radiation processing of R&D samples from NISIR and other research institutions. Work on samples from other institutions and commercial entities attracts a charge

Activities carried out include the following:

•    Disinfestations of grains, cereals, fish and other food products infested by insects

•    Inhibition of sprouting in agricultural products  like Onions, Potatoes, etc.

•    Delay of ripening of fruits e.g. mangoes

•    Induce mutation in grains, cereals, plantlets, etc.

•    Sterilization of single use medical products e.g. Syringes, Needles, Cotton wool, Surgical groves, Biological bandages, etc. 

Tissue Culture Laboratory

This Laboratory is located at the Kitwe based Centre of the Institute.

This is a laboratory were tissue culture technique is used to micro-propagate selected tree and other plant genotypes with disease free and superior growth characteristics. Micro-propagation has the potential to provide and achieve high multiplication rates that can meet demand for planting materials         

NISIR Kitwe Centre has available tissue cultured disease free and superior planting material for cassava, sweet potato, pineapple, banana, sugar-cane and Irish potato.