Agribusiness incubation (ABI) has emerged as a transformative strategy for revitalizing rural livelihoods, engaging youth in agriculture, and promoting sustainable technologies. This publication examines the pivotal role of ABIs in reshaping the agrifood system by providing essential support services and fostering collaboration among smallholder farmers and emerging entrepreneurs. As countries in the Asia Pacific implement diverse ABI models, the successful experiences from the Republic of Korea, India, the Philippines, and Viet Nam offer valuable lessons for addressing rural poverty, attracting youth, and mitigating climate change challenges.

This policy brief is a collaborative outcome of the Policy Dialogue jointly hosted by the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) and the Centre for Research on Innovation and Science Policy (CRISP) in November 2024. The dialogue brought together key stakeholders to deliberate on enhancing seed systems for dryland crops in India. The brief presents actionable recommendations to align seed policy with the evolving needs of farmers, researchers, and the private sector. It underscores the importance of supportive regulatory frameworks, increased public-private collaboration, and the role of innovation in improving access to quality seeds for climate-resilient agriculture.

This paper jointly written by the Centre for Research on Innovation and Science Policy (CRISP), Hyderabad, India, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) explores the gender responsiveness of digital EAS in two Southern Asian countries – Bangladesh and India – where women play a critical role in agrifood systems.

Both countries have piloted and scaled various digital EAS models over the past decade. The study investigated the barriers that limit women’s uptake and effective use of these services.