Indigenous Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation: A Study of Agricultural Scientists in Odisha

Study of indigenous knowledge has been a challenge, as it demands cross-cultural and inter-disciplinary understanding. Of late, contribution of IK to conservation of resources and solution science has been realised by academia and policy-makers, which is expanding the frontiers of knowledge use for innovation. Interface between science and indigenous knowledge system (IKS) is increasingly observed in the field of agriculture, simultaneously putting emphasis on knowledge transformation at institutional level. With this central argument, the paper discusses essentialities of IK as socio-cultural base of agricultural innovation. Indigenous knowledge’s engagement with innovation reflects the nature of preservation of IK within the discourse of technology transfer. Findings of the study suggest that empowerment of agricultural extension units is essential for preservation of knowledge and to facilitate reproduction of appropriate knowledge.