Tempeh, made of fermented soybeans, is a national staple in Indonesia. Due to an increase in population and living standards over the last couple of decades, however, consumption has increased considerably and Indonesia has gradually lost its self-sufficiency in tempeh production. As part of its food security plan, the government would like to reverse that trend, and significantly increase domestic production in coming years. That, however, requires a variety suitable for the country’s tropical climate, with high yields and resistance to local pests.
The IAEA, in cooperation with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) supports countries, including Indonesia, in the use radiation for agricultural research and development, including the development of enhanced varieties of seeds for improved production.