This article advocates for the instrumental role of agriculture innovation centers within universities in Nepal. It emphasizes their importance in addressing critical challenges faced by farmers, enhancing agricultural productivity, and promoting sustainable farming practices. Ultimately, these centers are vital contributors to food security, poverty reduction, and the overall economic development of the country.
The article traces the evolution of agricultural innovation systems, detailing the progression from National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) to Agricultural Knowledge and Information Systems (AKIS), and finally to the contemporary Agricultural Innovation System (AIS) approach. It outlines various models for establishing innovation centers, including in-house incubatees (both with and without laboratory facilities) and external registrant incubatees, designed to support entrepreneurs and students. The center’s role extends to providing access to cutting-edge technologies crucial for agricultural advancement. These include crop improvement technologies (biotechnology, marker-assisted plant breeding, RNA interference, and nanotechnology), various bio-fertilizers (such as Rhizobium, Azospirilium, Azotobacter, Mycorrhiza, Blue Green Algae, and Azolla), bio-pesticides, and solutions for bio-fuels and bio-energy production. Additionally, the article highlights the importance of plant breeding and seed production, as well as modern cultivation techniques like tissue culture, hydroponics, aeroponics, and greenhouse technology, which provide controlled environments for optimal crop yields. A significant focus is also placed on the concept of value addition in food and food products, which not only enhances nutritional content but also significantly reduces post-production losses and improves product quality and safety.
