to different parts of the country. Coconut and betel nuts are widely grown in the saline soil of this upazila and are one of the economic crops of the region.There is also a demand for fragrant and thin varieties, milkweed and Rajasail rice in different parts of the country. Agriculture Paddy is one of the important agricultural crops here. Being surrounded by numerous canals and marshes, the cultivable land of this upazila is limited. Most of the land is two or one crop as many lands are inundated with the tidal water of Bishkhali river— flowing through east-south of Kathalia upazila. Agricultural production is also not as desired. Fisheries resources are also decreasing as fishing continues with nets such as current, chargara, net etc. Among the animals, buffalo and cow are significant. Among the fruits, guava, mango and banana are notable. Agricultural production is increasing day by day due to the construction of embankment on Bishkhali river recently and the government continues to provide power tillers, improved seeds, fertilizers and agricultural materials. Economics Basically, the hat-bazaars are the main center of the economy of the area. The main hats and bazaars are Amua Hat, Amua Matsya Arat, Kathalia Bazar, Aura Gorur Hat, Chencharirampur Kaikhali Hat, Aurabunia Hat, Center Hat etc. The main livelihood of the people of this upazila is agriculture. With the spread of education, many people are now working in various government and non-government jobs including teaching. Business and Trading The economy of this upazila is still rural. Mainly agricultural products like paddy, betel nut, coconut and various vegetables and fish from Bishkhali river and various canals are the main driving force of the economy here. Far from medium or heavy industry, no cottage industry exists here. Although not produced in large quantities, betel nut is the main cash crop here. Betel nut, Hilsa and shrimp of Bishkhali River are sent from this area to the other parts of the country. To meet the demand here, vegetables and other food items and daily necessities have to be brought from outer regions. Banking System Due to insufficient branches of the bank and lack of awareness among the locals, money is transacted at high interest rates through informal money lenders and NGO which is adversely affecting the rural economy. Transportation The distance from the capital city of Dhaka to Kathalia is 226 km. The upazila is located 60 and 43