PATUAKHALI, May 4: Cattle diseases locally known as Khura and Oolafula have alarmingly broken out in 7 thanas of the district causing serious concern among the farmers, reports UNB.

Farmers said with the advent of the spring season the diseases are engulfing new areas and according to a local estimate, so far, about 10,000 cattle were attacked in the re-gton.

Local people said about 500 cattle died In Bauphal, Dasm-ina. Kalapara, Dumki, Gala-chipa, Mirzaganj and Sadar thanas. Of these, the worst affected thanas arc Bauphal, Dumki and Dasmlna.

The diseases cause ulceration tn the hoops of the cattle and also affected throat and mouth.

Due to the outbreak of the diseases cultivation Is greatly being hampered in the district.

It was alleged that necessary medicines are not available in the local market for treating the affected cattle. Milch cows and calves are more susceptible to the disease.

Another report says: An

amount of Taka one crore has been sanctioned for the construction of Barisal-Plrojpur-Bhandaria road in the current fiscal year.

But as per an estimate Taka 51.58 crore was necessary for the overall development of the 65 km road of the region.

Earlier, the RAH division has spent Taka 17.64 crore for construction of the road, officials said.

Besides, an amount of Taka 60 lakh was sanctioned for the development of 35 km Bana ri-para-Kaukhali road. Earlier. Taka 2.77 crore was utilised for the development of the road.

An amount of Taka 30 lakh was sanctioned for the development of 16 km Madhbaria-Patharghata road and officials said Taka 1.42 had already been spent earlier for the road.

The government also sanctioned Taka 60 lakh for the renovation of 45 km long Rahmatpur-Mehcndlganj road in Barisal division In the current fiscal year.

Official sources said an amount of Taka 36 crore is necessary for the overall development of the road. Earlier Taka 3.63 crore was spent for

repair and maintenance of the road

Another report states: Salinity in water has been increasing gradually in the southern region of the country causing rapid loss of land fertility.

Farmers said they were not getting the expected yield of crops during the last few years due to the Increasing salinity, particularly In Patuakhali and Borguna districts.

They said the crisis has intensified following the adverse effect of the Farakka barrage and many rivers including Meghna, Klrtankhala, BishkhaH and Payra are losing their nagi-vlllty due to weak flow of tide.

Meanwhile, shrimp cultur-ists were reported arranging Inflow of saline water for shrimp culture affecting the cropflelds.

The Increasing salinity, according to doctors, was also responsible for the outbreak of water-borne disease like diarrhoea, dysentery and other intestinal diseases tn the locality.

Farmers urged the concerned authorities to take 1m-mediate steps to stop the increasing salinity In water to help boost agri products.