Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of Ammonia-Urea Fertilizer Project of Assam Valley Fertilizer and Chemical Company Limited in Namrup marking a revitalisation and resurgence of Assam’s industrial and economic prowess.
Addressing the gathering after the inauguration, the Prime Minister stated, “It is a historic day for Assam and the entire North East, as the long-awaited dream of Namrup and Dibrugarh has been fulfilled, as a new chapter of industrial progress begins in the region.”
“Everyone is saying Assam has now entered a new pace of development, what is being witnessed today is only the beginning, and Assam must be taken forward. With the start of new industries, the building of modern infrastructure, semiconductor manufacturing, new opportunities in agriculture, the advancement of tea gardens and their workers, and the growing potential in tourism, affirm that Assam is progressing in every sector.”
The PM congratulated the people for the e modern fertilizer plant and congratulated the people for the new terminal at Guwahati Airport. He remarked that under the NDA Governments at the Centre and the State, the synergy of industry and connectivity is fulfilling Assam’s dreams and inspiring the youth to dream bigger.
Emphasizing that in building a developed India, the nation’s farmers and annadatas have a crucial role, the PM added, “The Government is working in the interest of the farmers and according it the top priority and that is why farmer-friendly schemes are being extended to all. Alongside agricultural welfare initiatives, it is essential to ensure a continuous supply of fertilizers to farmers. In the coming time, the new urea plant will guarantee this supply. Approximate ₹11,000 cr will be invested in the fertilizer project, which will produce more than 12 lakh metric tonnes of fertilizer annually. Additionally, with production taking place locally, supply will be faster and logistic costs will be reduced.”
Highlighting that the Namrup unit will generate thousands of new opportunities for employment and self-employment, he remarked that with the plant becoming operational, many people will secure permanent jobs locally. “Associated work such as repair, supply, and other related activities will also provide employment to the youth.”
“Namrup had long been a centre of fertilizer production, and at one time the fertilizer produced here strengthened the fields of the North East and supported farmers’ crops. Even when fertilizer supply was a challenge in many parts of the country, Namrup remained a source of hope for farmers. However, the technology of the old plants became outdated over time and production stagnated. There was no attempt by the previous Governments. As a result, several units of the Namrup plant were shut down, leaving farmers across the North East distressed, their incomes hurt, and agricultural difficulties increasing.”
The Prime Minister asserted that today, their governments at Union and State are resolving the problems created by the previous ruling dispensation, “Just like in Assam, fertilizer factories in many other states had also shut down. The difficult conditions farmers faced at that time, when they had to stand in long queues for urea, police had to be deployed at shops, and farmers were subjected to lathi charges.”
He mentioned the private sector is also being encouraged in this field, which is helping India move towards self-reliance in urea.
“In 2014, the country produced only 225 lakh metric tonnes of urea, whereas today production has reached nearly 306 lakh metric tonnes”, highlighted the Prime Minister, noting that India requires about 380 lakh metric tonnes of urea annually and the Government is working swiftly to bridge this gap.
He emphasized that the Government is highly sensitive to the interests of farmers, “Urea imported at high prices from abroad is not allowed to burden farmers, as the Government bears that cost through subsidies. Indian farmers receive a bag of urea for just ₹300, while the Government pays nearly ₹3,000 to other countries for that same bag, so that farmer brothers and sisters do not face any financial burden.”
The Prime Minister urged the farmers to save soil by optimising the usage of urea and other fertilizers.
Underlining that the Government is working by keeping every need of farmers in mind, he remarked that when crops are damaged due to adverse weather, farmers are supported through the crop insurance scheme, “The procurement arrangements have been improved to ensure farmers receive the right price for their produce and Government firmly believes the nation can progress only when farmers are strong, and every possible effort is being made towards this.”
Mr Modi asserted that fertilizer produced will not only serve Assam’s fields but also reach Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Eastern Uttar Pradesh terming this as a significant contribution of the North East to the country’s fertilizer needs. The Prime Minister concluded by remarking that projects like Namrup demonstrate that in the coming time, the North East will emerge as a major centre of self-reliant India and will remain as Asthalakshmi in true sense
After completing his engagements, the Prime Minister departed for New Delhi, leaving behind a strong message of progress, connectivity, and inclusive development for the people of Assam.
