Khulna: Smiles for coastal farmers. Our Khulna correspondent reports that salt-tolerant rice has drawn wide interest among local residents. Upazila administration officials have visited the area.

Local farmers said favourable weather has raised hopes of a good harvest this time, but they called for government procurement centres to ensure fair prices.

Local traders say better road links would get local produce to the capital and other districts faster, creating more jobs.

Local teachers and social workers believe training centres for young people's skills are essential, which would also ease migration pressure from villages to cities.