ABSTRACT

This chapter examines in historical perspective the evolution of the agriculture innovation system of Punjab and its contribution to the food security of the country. It is argued that innovations in agriculture are continuously required to increase efficiency for increasing productivity and production to meet rising food demand, raising farm income, reducing poverty and creating demand for other sectors of the economy. Agricultural innovations include improvement in crop cultivars, sustainable management and conservation of natural resources such as land and water, pest management, farm mechanization, increase in resource use efficiency and innovations in policy and institutions to bring change in production and resource use patterns for higher efficiency and welfare. The major conclusion that emerged from the analysis is that the need of the time is to shift from technology innovation approach to a policy-technology-institution innovation approach. This is highly desirable from the point of view to achieve inclusive and sustainability agriculture development.