Lakhwinder Singh is Professor at the Department of Economics and Founding Coordinator, Centre for Development Economics and Innovation Studies, Punjabi University, Patiala, India.

Anita Gill is currently serving as Professor of Economics and Head of the Department of Distance Education, Punjabi University, Patiala, India.

1 Agriculture innovation system for inclusive rural development in Asia: an introduction 2 Knowledge economy for inclusive and sustainable agriculture 3 Farmers' awareness, perceptions and knowledge gaps: looking for innovations in agricultural extension 4 Interactive learning, innovation and performance: a comparative analysis of natural rubber and tea 5 Global trends in private agricultural research 6 Harnessing ICTs among farm households through interactive learning and competence building: perspectives from India and China 7 Agriculture innovation system and productivity growth across North Indian states 8 Pathways for sustainable agricultural transformation: challenges before the Indian system of science, technology and innovation 9 Institutional innovations for inclusive agricultural development: a case of franchising in India 10 Livelihood diversification strategy and technology access in rural India: a special reference to small growers 11 Pakistan national innovation system for agriculture and rural development: challenges and opportunities 12 Social capital and diffusion of innovations: an analysis of farm households in rural Punjab 13 Punjab's agricultural innovation challenge 14 Stocktaking of innovations for agriculture in Punjab: challenges and responses 15 Institutional innovations, social inclusion and rural development: experience from Punjab since independence

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.