ABSTRACT

This book looks at agricultural systems and rural economies in Asia through the prism of alternative innovation systems, alternative public policy and institutional changes.

The massive shifts within the agricultural economy in Asia, geared towards increasing production, has had a direct effect on the livelihood of a large mass of people in rural societies, causing financial and social distress. This book explores a wide range of solutions, such as the role of education, improving technical skills and human capital, along with interactive learning in R&D, harnessing ICTs and institutional innovations, to see how these problems can be alleviated. The volume looks at how these methods can help formulate alternative ways to build sustainable and inclusive agricultural societies, ensure food security, sustainable growth and agricultural productivity.

This book, rich in theoretical and empirical matter, will be useful for academics and researchers interested in agricultural innovation, development studies and agricultural economics. It will also be of interest to policymakers and thinktanks working towards inclusive social development and sustainability in Asia and the Indian subcontinent.

chapter Chapter 1|17 pages

Agriculture innovation system for inclusive rural development in Asia

An introduction

chapter Chapter 3|22 pages

Farmers’ awareness, perceptions and knowledge gaps

Looking for innovations in agricultural extension

chapter Chapter 4|44 pages

Interactive learning, innovation and performance

A comparative analysis of natural rubber and tea

chapter Chapter 6|19 pages

Harnessing ICTs among farm households through interactive learning and competence building

Perspectives from India and China

chapter Chapter 8|29 pages

Pathways for sustainable agricultural transformation

Challenges before the Indian system of science, technology and innovation

chapter Chapter 9|23 pages

Institutional innovations for inclusive agricultural development

A case of franchising in India

chapter Chapter 10|24 pages

Livelihood diversification strategy and technology access in rural India

A special reference to small growers

chapter Chapter 11|23 pages

Pakistan national innovation system for agriculture and rural development

Challenges and opportunities

chapter Chapter 12|23 pages

Social capital and diffusion of innovations

An analysis of farm households in rural Punjab

chapter Chapter 13|16 pages

Punjab’s agricultural innovation challenge

chapter Chapter 14|17 pages

Stocktaking of innovations for agriculture in Punjab

Challenges and responses

chapter Chapter 15|24 pages

Institutional innovations, social inclusion and rural development

Experience from Punjab since independence