PM Narendra Modi Lays Foundation Stone for Assam Valley Fertilizer’s Ammonia-Urea Project at Namrup, Assam.
Namrup, Assam:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of the Ammonia-Urea Fertilizer Project of Assam Valley Fertilizer and Chemical Company Limited at Namrup in Dibrugarh, Assam, today.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister described Assam as a land of great heroes, including Chaolung Sukhapa, Mahaveer Lachit Borphukan, Bhimbar Deuri, Shaheed Kushal Kunvar, Moran King Bodousa, Malati Mem, Indira Miri, Swargadeo Sarbananda Singh, and the valiant Sati Sadhani, paying homage to the region’s rich legacy of valor and sacrifice.
PM Modi expressed gratitude for the large turnout of people, highlighting the presence of mothers and sisters, whose blessings he said brought a unique warmth, especially noting the fragrance of Assam’s tea gardens carried by many attendees.
Calling the day historic for Assam and the entire North East, the Prime Minister said the long-awaited industrial dream of Namrup and Dibrugarh is now taking shape. He recalled inaugurating the new terminal at Guwahati Airport earlier in the day and emphasized that Assam has picked up a new momentum of development.
He stressed that this is only the beginning, with industries, modern infrastructure, semiconductor manufacturing, agricultural opportunities, tea garden development, and tourism all contributing to the state’s progress.
Highlighting the government’s focus on farmers, PM Modi stated that initiatives like PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana and the Dalhan Atmanirbharta Mission are designed to promote agriculture and ensure farmers’ welfare. He underlined the importance of continuous fertilizer supply, noting that the new urea plant will produce over 12 lakh metric tonnes annually with an investment of around Rs. 11,000 crore, reducing logistics costs and ensuring faster availability locally.
The Prime Minister emphasized employment generation, explaining that thousands of permanent and ancillary jobs will be created through the plant, including opportunities in repair, supply, and related activities for youth. He highlighted that the government is correcting past neglect, where outdated technology and lack of attention led to shutdowns that affected farmers’ incomes and agricultural productivity across the North East.
PM Modi pointed out India’s journey towards urea self-reliance, noting that production has increased from 225 lakh metric tonnes in 2014 to nearly 306 lakh metric tonnes today, while the government ensures that imported urea does not financially burden farmers. He encouraged optimal use of fertilizers to protect soil health.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to farmers, the Prime Minister highlighted direct benefit transfers under PM Kisan Samman Nidhi totaling nearly Rs. 4 lakh crore, insurance for crop damage, improved procurement arrangements, inclusion of livestock and fish farmers under Kisan Credit Card facilities, and GST reduction on bio-fertilizers. He also noted the promotion of natural farming and the establishment of 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations, with special attention to the North East through missions like the oil palm initiative.
PM Modi also highlighted the welfare of tea garden workers in Assam, including the opening of Jan Dhan accounts for seven and a half lakh workers, along with improvements in schools, roads, electricity, water, and healthcare facilities.
The Prime Minister praised the government’s vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, which has lifted 25 crore people out of poverty in the past 11 years, creating a neo-middle class and transforming living standards in villages, with increased ownership of vehicles, mobile phones, and household appliances.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to preserving Assam’s identity and culture, citing projects such as the 125-foot statue of Mahaveer Lachit Borphukan, promotion of Bhupen Hazarika’s legacy, and the global recognition of Assamese art, crafts, and the Gamosa.
PM Modi criticized the opposition for neglecting Assam and promoting illegal settlements, stressing that his government is committed to safeguarding the state’s identity. He emphasized that the Namrup fertilizer project will not only benefit Assam but also supply Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Eastern Uttar Pradesh, contributing significantly to the nation’s fertilizer needs.
The Prime Minister concluded by stating that projects like Namrup demonstrate the North East’s emerging role as a key center for a self-reliant India.
The event was attended by the Governor of Assam, Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, and other dignitaries.
