Balqa, July 28 (Petra) — The National Agricultural Research Center
(NARC) has launched an advanced regional training program on the use
of nuclear radiation in seed sterilization and preservation, in
cooperation with the Arab Atomic Energy Agency (AAEA) and the Jordan
Atomic Energy Commission (JAEC).

The program, which runs from July 26 to 30, 2026, brings together
researchers and specialists from Jordan, Iraq, Tunisia, Syria, Libya,
Egypt, Mauritania and Sudan. Engineer Maisoon Ababneh coordinates it.

The training aims to strengthen the capacities of seed bank personnel
and enhance Arab cooperation in the peaceful application of nuclear
technologies for conserving plant genetic resources.

NARC Acting Director General Zakaria Musallam said peaceful nuclear
applications play an important role in improving the efficiency of
seed banks, safeguarding biodiversity and preserving genetic
resources that support scientific research, plant breeding,
sustainable agricultural production and food security.

Tareq Al-Maghribi, AAEA representative, said the program forms part
of the agency’s efforts to build technical capacity, facilitate the
exchange of expertise, and strengthen joint Arab scientific
cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear technology.

Acting Director of the National Seed Bank Khaldoun Al-Sane stressed
the importance of investing in shared Arab expertise and knowledge to
address challenges facing the agricultural sector and improve the
efficiency of seed banks in preserving plant genetic resources.

The program covers the application of nuclear radiation in seed
treatment, sterilization and preservation, seed quality testing,
plant breeding, biotechnology and genetic resource management through
lectures, hands-on training sessions and field visits led by experts
and specialists.

Organizers said the initiative also serves as a platform for
exchanging expertise and best practices while promoting cooperation
among participating institutions to support the conservation of plant
genetic resources and expand the use of peaceful nuclear technologies
in advancing sustainable agricultural development across the Arab
region.

//Petra// AF