Thakurgaon sugarcane research centre mired in problems
The Regional Sugarcane Research Centre set up here to provide training to sugarcane growers, is now limping due to various problems.
The centre, established in 1985 at Madarganj, 10 km off the district town, does not have adequate farmland for research activities while it lacks modern equipment for research and faces shortage of required number of scientists.
It was established for extending the services of modern technology and information to the growers and inventing high yielding variety of sugarcane.
Ranjit Kumar Kabiraj, station-in-charge of the centre, said only two scientists in place of nine are working here hampering the research and training activities seriously.
Some 250 sugarcane growers of northern region were imparted training for a short period this year, he said.
The farmers lack several high yielding varieties of sugarcane such as ISD, 16, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 39 and 40. They get poor harvest because they cultivate traditional varieties.
Sugarcane growers of four sugar mill areas -- Thakurgaon, Panchagarh, Shyampur and Setabganj -- are generally given training by the centre. Lack of necessary manpower is also hampering its monitoring activities.
Although there is a soil related research lab, the centre has no scientist and soil testing equipment.
The centre failed to fulfill its objectives for which it launched its journey, farmers alleged.
Some growers, however, said they got better yield after receiving training at the centre.
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