An Appreciation of the Contribution of NIR to Agriculture

Abstract

As the 20th century ends the world population approaches 6 billion people and is expected to increase to 8 billion by the year 2020. It is the responsibility of agriculture to provide food and fibre for all these people. Application of existing technology and innovation of new technology will be essential if agricultural scientists are to achieve this enormous task. In the 40 years to the present NIR spectroscopy has made major contributions to food and fibre production, and to the assessment of food quality and potential end-uses of produce. As NIR scientists we must strive to make contributions which help agriculture meet the challenge to feed and clothe the people of the world. The major challenge for NIR scientists in agriculture is maintaining sustainable yields, whilst reducing wastage and damage to the natural resource base. To have the greatest impact NIR-based technologies must be made available in developing countries at affordable prices. These challenges will involve developing and promoting options that are acceptable politically, sociologically and economically. NIR technology will provide the greatest benefits to feeding and clothing the world's people if there is closer interaction with plant breeders, agronomists, environmentalists, food processors and marketers.