Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology
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| Abbreviation | NIAB |
|---|---|
| Formation | April 6, 1972 |
| Type | Industrial and scientific research |
| Legal status | Institute |
| Purpose | Agriculture industrialization and food irradiation |
| Headquarters | Location |
| Location | |
Official language | English and Urdu |
Director | Dr. Tariq Mahmood |
Parent organization | Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission |
| Affiliations | Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission |
| Website | www |
The Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology, also known as NIAB, (Urdu: جوہری ادارہ برائے زراعت و حیاتیات) is a Pakistani agriculture and food irradiation national research institute managed by the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC). It is located in Faisalabad, Punjab. Along with the Nuclear Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA), the NIAB reports directly to the Islamabad-based PAEC Biological Science Directorate. The current director is Dr. Muhammad Hamed.
The NIAB was established by Ishrat Hussain Usmani when PAEC established its first Biological Science Directorate in 1965. In 1967, with the efforts led by Dr. Abdus Salam, the Government of Pakistan approved a project, and the PAEC began its construction.[1] The operations and research began in 1970, and it was officially inaugurated by Munir Ahmad Khan, then Chairman of the PAEC, on 6 April 1972. Khan later developed the institute and led the research activities in the institution.[2] The nuclear medical research was also put under Khan, and NIAB had developed 23 different crop varieties that are high yielding, disease resistant and are being cultivated throughout the country.[3]
Facilities
Research and Achievements
NIAB's research focuses on the development of high-yielding and disease-resistant crop varieties, soil fertility improvement, water management, and food preservation through irradiation. The institute has made significant contributions to enhancing agricultural productivity and food security in Pakistan.[5]
Collaborations
NIAB collaborates with various national and international organizations, including the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), to enhance its research capabilities and stay updated with global advancements in agricultural biotechnology.[6]
