Scientist vacancies hamper agriculture research in Nepal
Summary
Agricultural research centres in Nepal face severe staff shortages, crippling research, technology development, and support services for farmers, threatening productivity and food security.
Key Points
- Agricultural research centres in Nepal suffer from critical shortages of scientists and technicians, limiting their effectiveness.
- Key institutions like Pakhribas Agricultural Research Centre and National Maize Research Programme operate with significantly fewer staff than sanctioned.
- Research activities, including development of new crop varieties and disease control, have slowed or nearly stopped due to manpower shortages.
- Coordination between research centres and farmers has weakened, reducing the transfer of agricultural technologies and impacting rural economies.
