Local knowledge and academic knowledge are two distinct forms. They have their own origins, purposes, and applications. Local knowledge is the knowledge that is specific to a particular place or culture and is primarily based on experience and observation. It is often passed down from generation to generation (e.g oral traditions), and is deeply embedded in the local context. Whereas, academic knowledge is developed and validated through scholarly research and systematic study, often within the framework of educational institutions like universities. Documentation and peer review is the hallmark of academic knowledge, mostly part of separate disciplinary compartments. All societies are knowledge based and they all have knowledge economies comprising “the ensemble of its social institutions and processes producing and reproducing the knowledge at its disposal, and, in particular, the knowledge on which its reproduction as a society relies” (Renn, 2020: 7). There are several debates on local and academic knowledge forms which revolve around recognition, value, integration and distinct identities. They are complex, multi-faceted and touch upon issues relating to cultural respect, epistemology, practical application and ethical practices. Both knowledge forms can be seen as stand-alone entities in society. However, there is enough evidence to show that local knowledge and academic knowledge are two ends of a continuum and there are various phases in between which emphasize their interconnectedness, especially in the fields of agriculture production, animal husbandry, medicine, health to name a few. There is therefore a positive traction of local knowledge with academic knowledge particularly in the modern world with green revolution, climate change and environmental pollution creating havoc in people’s livelihoods and living. Urban people particularly want to go back to natural living, eating healthy foods and use nature based products as they understand its value and the holistic manner in which it interacts with the human system. This panel will focus on the following topics: 1) Significance of indigenous (local) knowledge systems and its traction with modern knowledge 2) Social reproduction and gender dimensions of local knowledge systems 3) Ethical practices in local and academic knowledge systems in a variety of sectors 4) Rituals in agricultural production/resource management in different cultures 5) Cultural values of both local and academic knowledge systems 6) Local skills for local value creation and career pathways 7) Continuous knowledges and discrete disciplines 8) The politics of knowledge production and the policies of state