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Betel leaf growers need help

From Our Correspondent
RAJSHAHI, Nov 29 : The betel leaf production in Rajshahl district has decreased to a great extent due to increase of bamboo, fertilizers, oil cake and pesticides, prices.
Betel leaf is cultivated on large scale in Mohanpur and Paba upaziias of district and the grower sell it out to the markets of Bangladesh. There are over 400 betel leaf growers in the district who have been facing much difficulties due to floods, drought, price hike of agricultural inputs and shortage of capital. As a result they are gradually losing inlcr-
It may be mentioned here that the growers could earn about Taka two lakhs from per acre production a year But the rise in production cost has decreased the amount of return.
Besides, the growers have been deprived of the bank loans which are now badly
needed to continue the cultivation of betel leaf.
The betel leaf growers urged the concerned authorities to extend financial assistance to mitigate their sufferings.
The railway passengers of northern districts have been facing acute problems due lo inadequate number of compartments and irregular ser-
The number of comparl-ments for the passengers travelling on different routes from Parbatipur, Sanlahar and Ishwardt Junctions is quite insufficient to cope with the onrush of the passengers. As a result, the passengers arc bound lo travel on roofs and. footboards of the trains.
Besides the trains often run two to three hours late causing Inconveniences to the passengers. Even inter-city express
trains can hardly maintain the schedule of time table. The trains often run without first and second class compartments and as such the gentlemen arc compelled to board the overcrowded third class compartments. The old and female passengers face much difficulties to board the train al different stations. The toilets arc regularly found dirty and this unhygienic condition of the toilets vitiates the atmosphere of the train.
Some passenger bogies sent for repair Sycdpur railway workshop arc reported to have strandcM for want of technical staff and necessary fund. It is alleged.
The number of passengers without ticket is increasing day by day. The attendants of inter-city express train allow additional passengers in lieu of illegal bribes, it is alleged.
Wafting rooms at most of
the Important railway stations arc unhealthy. The latrines at the stations are quite unfit for use. The scarcity of drinking water at stations has aggravated the situation. Some of the stations on the Ishwardi-Chilahatl line have no sheds on the platform. As a result the passengers arc compelled to watt under Ac open sky.. Moreover, there is no waiting rooms In almost all the stations for third class passengers.
When contacted, railway sources Informed that shortage of railway slippers, partly damaged bridges and culverts, single rail lines, shortage of stones beside railway tracks were the maiff causes of delay.
The passengers on this route urged the concerned authorities to take necessary steps to ensure timely Journey with Improved facilities.