Strengthening Analytical Support in Agricultural Research

The need for analytical support in agricultural research and development has long been recognized, especially for soil fertility evaluation and management, assessment of crop and food quality, and selection and breeding of nutritious food staples. In addition, the demand for analytical research support in the general areas of agriculture interfacing with human health and environmental quality has greatly increased in recent years. The trend for increased demand for analytical support will most likely continue in the future. To meet such diverse, increasing demands for analytical support, we need to upgrade infrastructure facilities and simultaneously teach and train students and young researchers in the use of modern analytical tools. This is prerequisite to providing timely, efficient, and effective analytical support, as such support is the key to monitoring, assessing, and maintaining soil, food, and environmental quality and to breeding nutritious food staples.