Editorial
Brain drain in a critical area
Shore up agro-research by all means
Poor pay and lack of facilities are two of the main reasons why the eleven agro-research facilities are facing a steady loss of the best minds in the industry. To state the situation dire is somewhat of an understatement. According to media reports, some 300 out of 1,600 scientists in the country have availed voluntary retirement from state-owned research facilities and many have gone abroad.
At a time when Bangladesh is making significant scientific breakthroughs in the field of agriculture, the dissipation of scientific minds is clearly worrisome. It takes years to train a scientist, but to lose them because of government inaction in addressing basic needs is a folly the country can do without. Of the 300 scientists who have gone on voluntary retirement, Bangladesh Agriculture Research Institute (BARI) and Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) have suffered the biggest blow with some 200 scientists gone from their ranks in recent years. And since most of these professionals have left the country to pursue higher studies abroad, there is little possibility of their returning home anytime soon.
As stated before, the country has attained some significant successes recently in agro-research, most notably in the field of plant and fungi-genomics research. However, for the country to build on these successes and bear the fruits of these findings, it will need a strong pool of scientists. Yet, apathy of authorities in increasing funding allocation for scientific research and upgrading benefits for scientists remain the crux of the problem. According to experts, were the authorities to institutionalise a proper system of promotion based upon expertise and experience, much of the frustration that exists within the ranks of the scientific community could be mitigated.
This is indeed a dire scenario for the country. In the backdrop of diminishing croplands and climate change, public research institutes like BARI and BRRI play a crucial role in coming up with solutions such as flood and saline-resistant crops. Unless the massive brain drain is checked, the shortage of experienced and skilled agriculture scientists in public sector institutes will in the near future cause a crunch that will limit the country's ability to innovate and introduce new and improved seeds.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments