Rafsanjan: In a groundbreaking move, the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) has transitioned plasma technology from research to industrial application, inaugurating the country's first plasma-based dry fruit processing and decontamination plant in Rafsanjan. The facility, unveiled on Saturday, represents the culmination of two decades of research into plasma technology, which was previously limited to medical applications, said AEOI director Mohammad Eslami at the opening ceremony. According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Eslami emphasized that plasma technology has been extensively used in the medical field for the past 20 years. However, with the dedicated efforts of the organization's colleagues, it has successfully moved beyond the research phase into industrial application. This significant transition was underscored by the launch of the new facility in Rafsanjan. Eslami further elaborated that the application of plasma technology is now being extended to pistachio orchards and the processing of their products. This development marks a critical step in reducing damage to pistachios and enhancing their quality. The AEOI chief expressed optimism that this advancement will not only mitigate damage to exports but also encourage the broader adoption of plasma technology in agriculture. The newly inaugurated factory aims to process up to 6,000 tons of nuts annually in its initial phase. The facility is equipped to handle a wide range of products, including pistachios, almonds, peanuts, corn, grains, oilseeds, and legumes, with a processing capacity of three tons per hour.