PM Modi Lays Foundation of Namrup Urea Plant

• PM lays foundation stone of ₹11,000-crore ammonia-urea plant at Namrup
• Plant to produce over 12 lakh metric tonnes of fertilizer annually
• New unit to boost local jobs, cut logistics cost for farmers
• PM says Assam, Northeast central to India’s growth story

GG News Bureau
Dibrugarh/Namrup, 21st Dec: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday laid the foundation stone of the Ammonia-Urea Fertilizer Project of Assam Valley Fertilizer and Chemical Company Limited at Namrup in Assam’s Dibrugarh district, describing it as a landmark step in Assam’s industrial revival and farmers’ empowerment.

Addressing a large gathering, the Prime Minister said Assam and the entire Northeast have picked up a new momentum of development. He noted that the long-pending demand for a modern fertilizer plant at Namrup has finally been fulfilled, marking the beginning of a new chapter of industrial progress in the region.

The Prime Minister said the ₹11,000-crore project will produce more than 12 lakh metric tonnes of urea annually, ensuring uninterrupted fertilizer supply to farmers while reducing logistics costs. He added that local production would strengthen agricultural productivity not only in Assam but also in Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal and eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Highlighting employment potential, Modi said the Namrup unit will generate thousands of opportunities for employment and self-employment. He said permanent local jobs will be created once the plant becomes operational, along with indirect employment through allied activities such as supply, maintenance and services.

Reiterating that farmers’ welfare is at the centre of the government’s policies, the Prime Minister said ensuring timely availability of fertilizers is as important as welfare schemes. He underlined that initiatives such as PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana and the Dalhan Atmanirbharta Mission have been launched to promote farming and increase farmers’ income.

Modi said India is steadily moving towards self-reliance in urea production. He noted that while the country produced 225 lakh metric tonnes of urea in 2014, production has now reached nearly 306 lakh metric tonnes. He added that despite high global prices, Indian farmers get urea at just ₹300 per bag, with the government bearing the remaining cost through subsidies.

The Prime Minister said the government is supporting farmers from seed to market through direct income support, crop insurance, better procurement systems and easy credit. He highlighted that nearly ₹4 lakh crore has been transferred directly to farmers’ accounts under PM-Kisan, and over ₹10 lakh crore in assistance has been extended through Kisan Credit Cards.

Referring to Assam’s broader transformation, Modi said the synergy between industry and connectivity is fulfilling long-standing aspirations. He pointed to new infrastructure projects, growth in agriculture, expansion of tea gardens, tourism and emerging opportunities in modern sectors, asserting that Assam will play a major role in a developed India.

Emphasising the vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, the Prime Minister said government efforts have lifted 25 crore people out of poverty in the past 11 years, leading to the rise of a neo-middle class. He said improved living standards in rural and remote areas reflect inclusive development.

Modi also highlighted the government’s focus on preserving Assam’s identity and cultural pride, recalling initiatives honouring icons like Lachit Borphukan and Bhupen Hazarika, and promoting Assamese art and products on global platforms.

The Prime Minister said Eastern India and the Northeast are emerging as growth engines of the country, adding that projects like the Namrup fertilizer plant symbolise the region’s growing contribution to 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.