Science, Technology and Innovation

Science, technology and innovation (STI), targeted to solve both generic and location-specific challenges, are key drivers for transforming agri-food systems. These can transform the sustenance and low return livelihood to a profitable and respectable occupation for smallholder farmers, while motivating, attracting and empowering youth and women in agriculture. A paradigm shift is needed to: i) increase productivity, profitability, inclusiveness and efficiency of human engagement, ii) achieve complete nutrition security, iii) address the challenges of climate change, iv) adopt environment-friendly sustainable practices, and v) establish efficient farmer-market linkages. To achieve the desired goals, this chapter highlights effective pathways for: i) scaling innovations by combining ITK, conventional methods, and adopting NextGen cutting edge technologies evolved nationally or internationally, ii) enduring STI through a Gold Class education system, and iii) leveraging strong public-private partnership. The chapter also recommends increased investments in R&D, urgent need for enabling policy environment for scaling innovations and suggests clear transformative action points.