Namrup (Assam), Dec 21 (NationPress) - On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiated the establishment of an ammonia-urea fertiliser plant in the Dibrugarh district of Assam, backed by a substantial investment of ₹11,000 crore.

Speaking to a large audience during the event, PM Modi emphasized that this state-of-the-art fertiliser facility at Namrup is poised to create numerous new job opportunities and avenues for self-employment within the area.

The new project is expected to yield over 1.2 million metric tonnes of fertiliser each year, facilitating quicker access for local farmers and lowering logistics expenses, he noted.

In his address, PM Modi declared this day as a momentous occasion for Assam and the broader North East, stating that the long-cherished aspirations of Namrup and Dibrugarh have finally been realized, marking the commencement of a new phase of industrial advancement in the region with the foundation stone laid for the Assam Valley Fertiliser and Chemical Company Limited.

The Prime Minister conducted the bhoomi pujan for the Ammonia-Urea Fertiliser Plant and, prior to his arrival in Dibrugarh, he inaugurated a new terminal at Guwahati Airport.

He stressed that what is occurring today is merely the beginning, asserting that Assam needs to progress significantly further. He highlighted the inception of new industries, the development of modern infrastructure, semiconductor production, fresh agricultural opportunities, enhancements in tea gardens and their workforce, and the burgeoning potential in tourism, affirming that Assam is advancing in all fields.

The Prime Minister remarked that the collaboration between the central and state governments is realizing Assam’s ambitions and motivating the youth to aspire for greater achievements.

Focusing on the indispensable role of the nation’s farmers and annadatas in establishing a developed India, PM Modi reiterated that the government prioritizes farmers' welfare and is extending farmer-friendly initiatives to all. He stressed the importance of ensuring a consistent supply of fertilisers to farmers, stating that the new urea plant will guarantee this provision in the future.

PM Modi pointed out that numerous fertiliser units at the Namrup facility were shut down by the previous government due to outdated machinery, adversely affecting fertiliser supplies to northeastern farmers, resulting in diminished crop yields and incomes. He asserted that the current BJP governments at both the Centre and State are addressing the issues created by past administrations.

He further mentioned that similar closures of fertiliser factories had occurred in many other states. He recalled the hardships faced by farmers during that period, when they had to endure lengthy queues for urea, necessitating police presence at shops, and even the use of force against farmers.

Contrasting the previous government’s era of factory closures, PM Modi highlighted the current administration's establishment of several plants in Gorakhpur, Sindri, Barauni, and Ramagundam. He also noted the encouragement of private sector involvement in this sector. As a result, India is progressing towards self-sufficiency in urea production, the Prime Minister affirmed.

“In 2014, the country’s urea production stood at only 2.25 crore metric tonnes, whereas today it has surged to approximately 3.06 crore metric tonnes,” he added.