ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an introduction to agtech and agricultural science with that aim in mind. The key role of agricultural science is illustrated by the age-old struggle against plant disease. The importance of statistical science in agriculture is obvious, where the collection, analysis and interpretation of numerical data are concerned. The technical purpose of agricultural research and science overall is clear. Scientific advances, particularly in agriculture, were traditionally driven by universities and public institutes, and therefore treated largely as public goods. Agricultural science has a vital role to play in correcting the imbalances that production brings. Agricultural biotechnology has been successful in providing resistance to various pests in maize, sorghum, cowpeas, groundnuts and cotton. Agtech and agricultural scientific research are making considerable strides annually and there is no substitute for regularly trawling the relevant scientific journals as well as keeping track of what innovative companies are doing.
