The National Sugarcane Research Programme in Jitpur of Bara district is facing a manpower shortage, with only nine employees currently working against 26 sanctioned positions.

The vacancies, including key posts such as chief scientist and senior technical officer, have been hindering research activities and innovation in the sugarcane sector.

Officials said the shortage has adversely affected the office’s ability to meet its core objectives, as the country’s only dedicated sugarcane research programme struggles to function effectively.

Of the 26 approved posts, the position of chief scientist remains vacant. Out of six expert scientist posts, only two are filled. All three posts for senior technical officers are also vacant.

Similarly, only two of the three technical assistant positions are occupied, while four out of eight technical assistant posts are filled. The posts of administration aide, heavy vehicle driver and chief administration aide are also vacant.

Although an accounting officer is in place, they are currently handling additional responsibilities, also overseeing the Agricultural Implements Research Centre in Ranighat, Birgunj.

Programme chief Dil Raj Yadav said the shortage of technical staff has made it difficult to achieve the institution’s core mandate.

“The main objective of this office is to conduct research on sugarcane crops,” he said. “For that, we need to manage everything from research projects and innovation to operational work.”

He added that the office is mandated to study soil health, crop diseases and pest management, but the lack of technical manpower has limited its capacity to deliver results.

“We are facing difficulties in developing new technologies,” he said. “Due to the shortage of staff, the work is not producing the expected outcomes.”