Our researchers have made a revolutionary discovery! Now they’ve released a new protocol, one that holds the potential to reestablish agricultural practices within the vast Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, a 4,200 square kilometer region that has remained largely deserted since the nuclear accident in 1986. This initiative aims to transform previously hazardous lands into productive farmland while ensuring the safety of crops and the well-being of local communities.
To everyone’s surprise, the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone has become one of Europe’s largest nature reserves. Unfortunately, large swathes in northern Ukraine are still too dangerous for agriculture from contamination with radioactive substances. University of Portsmouth professor, Jim Smith, led a ground-breaking study. His aim was to create a framework by which safe agricultural practices could be adopted in these communities.
A Robust Protocol for Safe Agriculture
To get this done, their research team developed an incredibly straightforward yet effective protocol. This protocol measures the extent of contamination and assesses the uptake of radioactive materials by various commonly grown crops. This protocol was tested extensively on the 100-hectare Ternyky site in Zhytomyr region, proving its practical applicability.
You can now grow food crops such as potatoes, cereals, maize and sunflowers on areas that were previously banned. Just make sure you keep a good log and adhere to Ukrainian rules on food safety. Our experts estimate that this new approach will save Ukraine up to 20,000 hectares of reclaimed agricultural land. By increasing food security and stimulating rural development, this recovery would be a tremendous improvement in the region.
“This isn’t just about Chernobyl,” said Professor Smith. “It’s about applying science and evidence to ensure people are protected, while making sure land isn’t needlessly left to waste.”
Our research has the potential to shift perceptions about the safety of eating produce grown in Chernobyl-affected areas. Most importantly, it directly confronts the misinfo that’s poisoned public discourse since the disaster.
Addressing Misinformation and Community Needs
As we have seen since the Chernobyl disaster, misinformation about radiation risks continues to shape and harm the lives of those who continue to occupy depopulated lands. The authors of this research underscore the importance of explicit communication regarding radiation safety. It further aims to give back power to communities affected by the disaster, allowing them to restore their agricultural roots.
The Exclusion Zone covers a 2,660-square-kilometer area known as the “Zone of Obligatory Resettlement.” This region was by no means ever completely lost. Today, thousands of people still live in areas affected by the accident, with schools and businesses still functioning. Even so, no public investment or private land use is allowed in these areas because of persistent radiation fears.
“This research is important for communities affected by the Chernobyl disaster,” Professor Smith stated. “We now have a validated, science-based approach for bringing valuable farmland back into official production while demonstrating safety for both consumers and workers.”
See the resulting Journal of Environmental Radioactivity article here. We hope that these results provide a scholarly basis for further research and the foundation for guiding policy recommendations.
Future Implications for Agriculture and Food Security
This new protocol offers another glimmer of hope to revitalize agriculture in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. At the same time, it creates unrivaled opportunities, many unexpected, to improve food security amidst the war in Ukraine. By ensuring that crops can be grown safely, researchers aim to support economic revitalization and rural development in regions heavily impacted by the fallout from the nuclear disaster.
The implications of this research go well beyond a focus on agriculture. Their reach includes the health and well-being of communities. By responding to contamination concerns and encouraging safe practices, the research establishes a foundation for continued agricultural pursuits in Chernobyl-affected regions.