Dibrugarh, Dec 22 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday laid the foundation stone of the ammonia-urea fertiliser project of Assam Valley Fertilizer and Chemical Company Limited (AVFCCL) at Namrup in Assam’s Dibrugarh district, asserting that the state has gained a new momentum of development and is set to play a key role in building a developed India. Addressing a large gathering, the Prime Minister described the occasion as historic for Assam and the entire Northeast, saying the long-pending demand for industrial revival in Namrup has finally been fulfilled. He said the project marks the beginning of a new phase of industrial growth in the region.
PM Modi paid tribute to Assam’s legendary heroes, including Chaolung Sukapha and Lachit Borphukan, and recalled the sacrifices of many prominent personalities from the state. He said Assam, a land of valour and sacrifice, has always made significant contributions to the nation.Highlighting the government’s focus on farmers, the Prime Minister said the new fertiliser plant will ensure uninterrupted availability of urea, reduce logistics costs and strengthen agricultural productivity. The project, involving an investment of around ₹11,000 crore, is expected to produce more than 12 lakh metric tonnes of fertiliser 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, benefitting local youth. Referring to the past, PM Modi said outdated technology and neglect by previous governments had led to the closure of fertiliser units in Namrup and other parts of the country, causing difficulties for farmers. He said the present government has reversed this trend by reviving fertiliser production and commissioning new plants across India.
The Prime Minister noted that India’s urea production has increased from 225 lakh metric tonnes in 2014 to nearly 306 lakh metric tonnes at present, with efforts underway to meet the country’s annual requirement of about 380 lakh metric tonnes. He said despite high global prices, farmers continue to receive urea at subsidised rates, with the government bearing the additional financial burden. Urging farmers to use fertilisers judiciously, PM Modi emphasised the adoption of sustainable farming practices. He highlighted several farmer-centric initiatives, including direct benefit transfers under PM-Kisan, crop insurance schemes, improved procurement systems, Kisan Credit Card coverage for livestock and fisheries, promotion of natural farming, and the formation of 10,000 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs). He also mentioned the launch of the PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana and the Dalhan Atmanirbharta Mission to further strengthen the agriculture sector. Highlighting development in tea garden areas, the Prime Minister said millions of tea workers have been brought into the formal banking system through Jan Dhan accounts and are now benefiting from direct transfers and improved infrastructure, including schools, roads, electricity and healthcare facilities. Reiterating the vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, PM Modi said that over the past 11 years, nearly 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 said Eastern India and the Northeast will serve as the growth engine of the country, adding that fertiliser produced at Namrup will not only cater to Assam but also meet the requirements of Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal and eastern Uttar Pradesh. He concluded by stating that projects like the Namrup fertiliser plant symbolise the Northeast’s growing role in building 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.
