Sometimes having succeeded in a mission, we fail because we tend to persist with the same strategy even when times have changed. The success, thus, becomes the reason for failure. Indian agriculture research has been an outstanding success in terms of achieving food self-reliance and converting a perennially importing country to an exporting country. But, the trend in the last decade has been disappointing and reasons are not far to seek. I will take this opportunity to reflect on the three decades of my engagement with the agricultural research community so that some new pointers can be identified. I will also share the lessons learnt from the grassroots innovators and traditional knowledge holders through Honey Bee Network activities in the last two decades. It is possible that some of my views cause discomfort. But, it is with great respect that I submit these ideas. The agricultural research community has always considered me as an insider and therefore the liberty that they have allowed me to take with the ideas. The interface of science and society, which has become a bit weaker in recent years, was taken as a matter of deep concern and commitment. It is a privilege for me to share my views in Dr B P Pal's memory. I hope to help in triggering some thoughts towards revitalisation of our institutions, policy making approach and our relationship with the common people and their creativity.
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Paper provided by Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, Research and Publication Department in its series IIMA Working Papers with number
2009-03-04.