Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth ₹19,480 crore in Guwahati, Assam, and released over ₹18,000 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme to farmers across the country.
Addressing a gathering in the city, the Prime Minister said the projects launched from Guwahati cover key welfare and infrastructure initiatives that will accelerate Assam’s growth and benefit people across the state.
PM-Kisan funds transferred to farmers
During the event, the Prime Minister transferred more than ₹18,000 crore directly to the bank accounts of crores of farmers under the PM-Kisan scheme. He said the programme has become a major social security mechanism for small farmers.
PM Modi said more than ₹4.25 lakh crore has been transferred to farmers’ accounts under the scheme so far. In Assam alone, nearly 19 lakh farmers have received around ₹8,000 crore through the programme.
The Prime Minister said government initiatives such as minimum support price (MSP), affordable credit, crop insurance and PM-Kisan have created a strong support system for farmers.
Shielding farmers from global crises
PM Modi said the government has taken steps to ensure that global crises do not adversely affect agriculture in India. Referring to rising international fertiliser prices during the COVID-19 pandemic and global conflicts, he said the government absorbed the cost to protect farmers.
He noted that while a bag of urea costs about ₹3,000 in the global market, it is provided to Indian farmers at around ₹300 due to government subsidies.
Focus on irrigation and renewable energy
The Prime Minister highlighted the government’s efforts to modernise agriculture through technology and efficient irrigation systems under the “Per Drop More Crop” initiative. He said farmers are also being encouraged to use solar pumps under the PM‑KUSUM Scheme to reduce dependence on diesel and generate additional income.
He added that the government is promoting natural farming and the use of innovations such as nano urea to reduce dependence on chemical fertilisers.
Energy and infrastructure projects in Assam
PM Modi said several projects launched in Assam aim to strengthen energy security and infrastructure in the region. He highlighted the importance of the Lower Kopili Hydropower Project, which will benefit the entire Northeast.
He also mentioned the expansion of refinery capacity in the state and the upgrade of the Numaligarh–Siliguri Pipeline, along with the establishment of a second-generation bio-ethanol plant in Golaghat.
Tourism and economic opportunities
The Prime Minister also announced the construction of modern cruise terminals at Nimati Ghat and Bishwanath Ghat to boost tourism and economic activity along the Brahmaputra River.
He said the expansion of cruise tourism will create employment opportunities for local youth and open new markets for artisans, small businesses and service providers.
Welfare measures for tea garden workers
PM Modi also highlighted initiatives for families working in Assam’s tea gardens, including the distribution of land pattas and housing benefits.
He said the development initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to ensuring progress for every region and every section of society.
Describing Assam as a key driver of growth in the Northeast, PM Modi said the state is emerging as a model for the region often referred to as “Ashtalakshmi.” He urged people to work collectively towards building a “Viksit Assam” that contributes to India’s overall development.
