ABSTRACT
Asian agriculture is based on the Western model of the science, technology and innovation system and suffers from many drawbacks. It is inherently exclusionary in nature and also uses inputs that deplete groundwater resources and generate higher levels of pollution. This chapter highlights the theoretical foundations of the agriculture innovation system as an alternative to the current science, technology and innovation extension system that has promoted imbalance and marginalization of large sections of the population dependent on agriculture for their livelihood. It reviews the scholarly contribution of chapters contained in the volume that are analytical and quite sound in empirical evidence. The policy suggestions that emerged from these studies for generating an alternative agriculture innovation system are outlined to unleash the process of inclusive rural development.
