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residue management plan should be developed. The adoption of various location-
specific INM practices in dryland systems should be promoted further and imple-
mented with the help of various government programs. Weather-based AAS in
farming activities are needed for access to real-time weather information, timely
agricultural operations, improved crop yields, reduced cultivation costs, needs-
based changes in cropping patterns, and improved livelihoods. Extension depart-
ments should increase exposure visits, training and demonstrations of
location-specific farming system models, to increase awareness and capacity build-
ing of the farming community towards upscaling relevant dryland technologies.
Despite the broad similarities within the agricultural settings of these countries,
the diversity within these countries should be recognized by those concerned with
agricultural policy to devise policies and interventions for technology generation
and transfer in dryland agriculture. Public investment in agricultural research should
be increased, especially in natural resource management, without which genetic
enhancement and other productivity enhancing technologies cannot be realized.
Researchers and policymakers should focus on enhancing the use efficiency of
inputs such as water and fertilizer nutrients. Pursuance of domestic policies to
address location-specific issues within these countries should be accompanied by
better coordination of cross-border issues. For example, there is potential to address
food insecurity at a regional level by improving the functioning of regional institu-
tions, and coordinating and streamlining trade mechanisms.
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