Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday marked a significant milestone for Assam and the entire Northeast region by performing the groundbreaking ceremony for a massive new ammonia-urea fertiliser plant in Namrup. The project, valued at a staggering Rs 10,600 crore, is set to redefine agricultural and industrial prospects in the area.
A Historic Step for Assam's Industrial Future
Addressing a large public rally in Dibrugarh, Prime Minister Modi declared the day as historic, fulfilling a long-standing aspiration for the people of Namrup and Dibrugarh. He stated that this event signifies the beginning of a new chapter of industrial progress for the state. The new facility is designed with an annual production capacity of 12.7 lakh metric tonnes of urea, a critical input for farmers. Modi emphasized that in a developed India, Assam is destined to play a powerful role, echoing its historical significance during the Ahom kingdom.
The Prime Minister highlighted the coordinated efforts between the Union and state governments in enhancing both industry and connectivity, which he said is fueling the aspirations of Assam's people and inspiring its youth. He contrasted the current growth with the past, noting that India's annual urea production has increased from 225 lakh metric tonnes during the Congress-led era to 306 lakh metric tonnes over the last 11 years of his administration.
Reviving a Legacy and Supporting Farmers
PM Modi recalled Namrup's past glory as a fertiliser hub that once powered agriculture across the Northeast. He criticized previous governments for allowing the facility to decay as technology became obsolete, leading to the shutdown of units and causing distress to farmers. "Why are such farmer welfare initiatives happening only after our government came to power?" he questioned, pointing out that similar shutdowns nationwide had forced farmers into long queues.
He outlined his government's strategy to reverse this trend, which includes reviving closed plants in Gorakhpur, Sindri, Barauni, and Ramagundam, and encouraging private sector participation. The Namrup plant is expected to generate thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities, including permanent positions and self-employment in repair, supply, and ancillary services, providing a major boost to local youth.
Comprehensive Agricultural Backing
The Prime Minister reiterated his government's unwavering commitment to farmer welfare. He detailed the substantial subsidy provided on urea, where farmers pay only Rs 300 per bag while the government bears nearly Rs 3,000 of the cost. He urged farmers to use fertilisers optimally to protect soil health.
Modi also listed a series of central initiatives supporting agriculture:
- The PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, through which nearly Rs 4 lakh crore has been directly transferred to farmers' accounts.
- The recent launch of two schemes worth Rs 35,000 crore: the PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana and the Dalhan Atmanirbharta Mission.
- Extending Kisan Credit Card facilities to livestock and fish farmers, with assistance exceeding Rs 10 lakh crore this year.
- The National Mission on Natural Farming and the establishment of 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).
- The special focus on the oil palm mission in the Northeast.
Concluding his two-day Assam visit, the PM expressed confidence that Assam's farmers could lead the nation in organic and natural farming. He painted a picture of a resurgent Assam, progressing in new industries, modern infrastructure, semiconductor manufacturing, tea garden advancement, and tourism, gaining a new momentum that will accelerate in the coming years. Earlier, on Saturday, he had inaugurated the new terminal at Guwahati's Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport.
