Science, Technology and Innovation

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