Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday laid the foundation stone of the Ammonia-Urea Fertilizer Project of Assam Valley Fertilizer and Chemical Company Limited at Namrup in Assam’s Dibrugarh district, asserting that the state has picked up a new momentum of development and is poised to play a crucial role in a developed India.
Addressing a large gathering, the Prime Minister described the day as historic for Assam and the entire Northeast, stating that the long-standing demand for industrial revival in Namrup has finally been fulfilled. He said the project marks the beginning of a new chapter of industrial progress in the region.
The Prime Minister paid tribute to Assam’s legendary heroes, including Chaolung Sukapha and Lachit Borphukan, and recalled the sacrifices of several prominent figures from the state. He said Assam’s land of valour and sacrifice has always contributed significantly to the nation.
Highlighting the government’s focus on farmers, PM Modi said the new fertilizer plant will ensure uninterrupted availability of urea to farmers, reduce logistics costs and strengthen agricultural productivity. The project involves an investment of around ₹11,000 crore and will produce over 12 lakh metric tonnes of fertilizer annually.
He said the Namrup unit will generate thousands of employment and self-employment opportunities, including permanent jobs and allied activities such as repair, supply and logistics, benefiting local youth.
Referring to the past, the Prime Minister said outdated technology and neglect by previous governments led to the shutdown of fertilizer units in Namrup and other parts of the country, causing hardship to farmers. He said the present government has reversed that trend by reviving fertilizer production and commissioning new plants across India.
PM Modi noted that India’s urea production has increased from 225 lakh metric tonnes in 2014 to nearly 306 lakh metric tonnes at present, and efforts are underway to meet the country’s annual requirement of about 380 lakh metric tonnes. He said despite high global prices, farmers are provided urea at subsidised rates, with the government bearing the additional cost.
The Prime Minister urged farmers to use fertilizers judiciously and adopt sustainable farming practices. He highlighted several farmer-centric initiatives, including direct benefit transfers under PM-Kisan, crop insurance, improved procurement systems, Kisan Credit Card coverage for livestock and fisheries, promotion of natural farming, and the formation of 10,000 Farmer Producer Organisations.
He also mentioned the launch of PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana and the Dalhan Atmanirbharta Mission to further strengthen the agriculture sector.
Highlighting development in tea garden areas, PM Modi said millions of tea workers have been brought into the banking system through Jan Dhan accounts and are now benefiting from direct transfers and improved infrastructure such as schools, roads, electricity and healthcare.
Emphasising the vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, the Prime Minister said that over the last 11 years, around 25 crore people have moved out of poverty, leading to the rise of a neo-middle class. He said improved living standards in rural areas reflect the success of inclusive development.
The Prime Minister reiterated that Eastern India and the Northeast will serve as the growth engine of the country. He said the fertilizer produced at Namrup will not only serve Assam but also meet the needs of Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal and eastern Uttar Pradesh.
PM Modi concluded by stating that projects like the Namrup fertilizer plant symbolise the Northeast’s growing role in a self-reliant India.
Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and other dignitaries were present at the event.
