Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of Ammonia-Urea Fertilizer Project of Assam Valley Fertilizer and Chemical Company Limited at Namrup in Dibrugarh, Assam today. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Shri Modi remarked that this is the land of great heroes like Chaolung Sukhapa and Mahaveer Lachit Borphukan.

He highlighted the contributions of Bhimbar Deuri, Shaheed Kushal Kunvar, Moran King Bodousa, Malati Mem, Indira Miri, Swargadeo Sarbananda Singh, and the valiant Sati Sadhani. The Prime Minister stated that he bows to the sacred soil of Ujani Assam, this great land of valor and sacrifice.

Shri Modi observed that he could see people gathered in large numbers ahead, extending their affection. He especially highlighted the presence of mothers and sisters, noting that the love and blessings they brought were extraordinary. He remarked that many sisters had come carrying the fragrance of Assam’s tea gardens. The Prime Minister stated that this fragrance creates a unique feeling in his relationship with Assam. He bowed to all present and expressed gratitude for their affection and love.

Stating that today is a historic day for Assam and the entire North East, Shri Modi remarked that the long-awaited dream of Namrup and Dibrugarh has been fulfilled, as a new chapter of industrial progress begins in the region. He highlighted that just a short while ago he performed the bhoomi pujan of the Ammonia–Urea Fertilizer Plant, and before arriving in Dibrugarh, inaugurated the new terminal at Guwahati Airport. The Prime Minister noted that everyone is saying Assam has now caught a new pace of development. He emphasized that what is being witnessed today is only the beginning, and Assam must be taken much further ahead. He recalled the strength and role Assam held during the Ahom kingdom and asserted that in a developed India, Assam will play an equally powerful role. He underlined 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, affirming that Assam is progressing in every sector. Shri Modi extended his best wishes for the modern fertilizer plant and congratulated the people for the new terminal at Guwahati Airport. He remarked that under their governments at Union and 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 stated that the government is working with farmers’ interests as the top priority and that farmer-friendly schemes are being extended to all. He highlighted that alongside agricultural welfare initiatives, it is essential to ensure a continuous supply of fertilizers to farmers. Shri Modi remarked that in the coming time, the new urea plant will guarantee this supply. He noted that around ₹11,000 crore will be invested in the fertilizer project, which will produce more than 12 lakh metric tonnes of fertilizer annually. He underlined that 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, Shri Modi remarked that with the plant becoming operational, many people will secure permanent jobs locally. He added that associated work such as repair, supply, and other related activities will also provide employment to the youth. 

Shri Modi questioned why such farmer welfare initiatives are happening only after their government came to power. He noted that Namrup had long been a center of fertilizer production, and at one time the fertilizer produced here strengthened the fields of the North East and supported farmers’ crops. He recalled that even when fertilizer supply was a challenge in many parts of the country, Namrup remained a source of hope for farmers. However, he pointed out that the technology of the old plants became outdated over time and previous governments paid no attention. 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.

Prime Minister remarked that just like in Assam, fertilizer factories in many other states had also shut down. He recalled 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 stated that the opposition had worsened these conditions, while the present government is correcting them. He highlighted that during the previous ruling dispensation era fertilizer factories were closing, whereas the current government has started several plants in Gorakhpur, Sindri, Barauni, and Ramagundam. He added that the private sector is also being encouraged in this field. The Prime Minister emphasized that as a result of these efforts, India is moving towards self-reliance in the area of 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. Shri Modi remarked that even the urea imported at high prices from abroad is not allowed to burden farmers, as their government bears that cost through subsidies. He stated that Indian farmers receive a bag of urea for just ₹300, while the government pays nearly ₹3,000 to other countries for that same bag. He underlined that the remaining amount is covered by their government so that farmer brothers and sisters do not face any financial burden. He further urged the farmers to save soil by optimising the usage of Urea and other fertilizers.