TEHRAN – Mohammad Eslami, the head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), has inaugurated the nation's first plasma-based processing factory for dry fruits in the southern province of Kerman.

The groundbreaking facility will enhance food safety and represent a significant transition of plasma technology from research to practical industrial applications. 

In an opening ceremony held on Saturday, Eslami highlighted that this facility is the result of two decades of dedicated research. 

The official highlighted that, historically, plasma technology in Iran has focused primarily on medical applications; however, this new initiative expands its reach to the food processing industry, leading to the establishment of the factory in Kerman. 

“The AEOI is deeply committed to leveraging nuclear technology to address domestic challenges and to enhance the quality of life for our citizens,” Eslami emphasized, reflecting Iran's broader goal of integrating advanced technologies into everyday applications for the benefit of the populace. 

Eslami expressed optimism that this innovation will reduce export losses and promote wider integration of plasma technology within the agricultural sector. 

The factory is set to process up to 6,000 tons of nuts annually in its initial phase. It boasts the capability to handle a variety of products, including pistachios, almonds, peanuts, corn, grains, oilseeds, and legumes, with a processing capacity of three tons per hour. 

Iran's nuclear program has progressed significantly in several areas over the past years.

In April, Eslami announced that Iran has positioned itself among the top three countries globally in the production of agents used for diagnosing medical conditions and treating various diseases. 

Iran has advanced its nuclear energy program in recent years too, raising its uranium enrichment levels in an effort to meet domestic energy demands.