In Just 48 Hours, Modi Unveils Airport, ₹11,000-Cr Fertiliser Plant — Here’s What Assam Gained

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 Dibrugarh district of Assam, marking a major step towards industrial revival and farmer welfare in the Northeast.

Addressing a large gathering, the Prime Minister described Assam as a land of valour and sacrifice, paying tribute to legendary figures such as Chaolung Sukapha, Lachit Borphukan, Bhimbar Deuri, Shaheed Kushal Kunwar, Bodousa, Malati Mem, Indira Miri, Swargadeo Sarbananda Singh and Sati Sadhani. He said he bows to the sacred soil of Upper Assam, which has shaped the spirit of courage and patriotism in the region.

The Prime Minister noted the massive public turnout, particularly highlighting the presence of women and tea garden workers. He remarked that the fragrance of Assam’s tea gardens symbolised his deep and emotional connection with the state and thanked the people for their affection and blessings.

Calling the day historic for Assam and the entire Northeast, Modi said the long-cherished dream of Namrup and Dibrugarh had finally been fulfilled with the beginning of a new phase of industrial development. He said the foundation stone-laying of the fertilizer plant followed the inauguration of the new terminal at Guwahati Airport earlier in the day, reflecting the accelerated pace of development in Assam.

He said Assam had played a powerful role during the Ahom era and would once again emerge as a strong pillar in a developed India. Highlighting growth across sectors, he referred to the expansion of modern infrastructure, new industries, semiconductor manufacturing, agriculture, tea gardens, tourism and employment opportunities. He congratulated the people on the fertilizer project and the new airport terminal, stating that coordination between the Union and state governments was turning Assam’s aspirations into reality and motivating the youth to dream big.

Emphasising the role of farmers in building a developed India, the Prime Minister said ensuring uninterrupted fertilizer supply was a top priority. He stated that the new urea plant would guarantee fertilizer availability in the coming years. With an investment of around ₹11,000 crore, the project will produce over 12 lakh metric tonnes of fertilizer annually. Local production, he said, would reduce logistics costs and speed up supply.

He added that the Namrup unit would generate thousands of employment and self-employment opportunities. Permanent local jobs would be created, while ancillary activities such as maintenance, supply and logistics would further benefit youth in the region.

Questioning the delay in such initiatives in the past, Modi recalled that Namrup had once been a major fertilizer hub supporting farmers across the Northeast. However, outdated technology and lack of attention by previous governments led to the closure of several units, causing hardship to farmers and impacting agricultural productivity. He said the present Union and state governments were correcting those failures.

The Prime Minister also recalled the difficult period when fertilizer factories across India were shut down, forcing farmers to stand in long queues for urea, with police deployment and even lathi charges. He said while earlier governments allowed the situation to worsen, the current government revived fertilizer plants in Gorakhpur, Sindri, Barauni and Ramagundam, while also encouraging private sector participation. As a result, India is moving towards self-reliance in urea production.

He noted that urea production had increased from 225 lakh metric tonnes in 2014 to nearly 306 lakh metric tonnes now, while the country’s annual requirement stands at around 380 lakh metric tonnes. He said the government was working rapidly to bridge this gap. Despite high import costs, farmers are not burdened, he said, as a ₹300 bag of urea actually costs the government nearly ₹3,000, with the subsidy borne by the Centre. He urged farmers to use fertilizers judiciously to protect soil health.

Modi said the government supports farmers from seed to market, highlighting that nearly ₹4 lakh crore has been directly transferred to farmers under the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme. He added that two new schemes worth ₹35,000 crore were launched this year — the PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana and the Dalhan Atmanirbharta Mission — to further strengthen agriculture.

He said farmers are protected against crop loss through insurance schemes and benefit from improved procurement systems ensuring fair prices. Livestock and fish farmers have also been brought under the Kisan Credit Card framework, with over ₹10 lakh crore in assistance provided this year. He noted the reduction in GST on bio-fertilizers and the promotion of natural farming through the National Mission on Natural Farming, which has already connected lakhs of farmers. The creation of 10,000 Farmer Producer Organisations nationwide and a special oil palm mission for the Northeast were also highlighted as income-boosting measures.

Referring to tea garden workers, the Prime Minister said over 7.5 lakh workers in Assam were brought under the banking system through Jan Dhan accounts, enabling direct benefit transfers. He added that infrastructure such as schools, roads, electricity, water supply and healthcare was being expanded in tea garden areas.

Speaking on inclusive development, Modi said that over the past 11 years, 25 crore people had come out of poverty, leading to the rise of a neo-middle class. He cited new data showing significant improvements in rural living standards, including increased ownership of vehicles, mobile phones, televisions and refrigerators, even in remote villages.

The Prime Minister said the government prioritises the poor, tribals, youth and women and is working to end decades of violence in Assam and the Northeast while preserving Assamese identity and culture. He referred to initiatives such as the 125-foot statue of Lachit Borphukan, celebrations of Bhupen Hazarika’s birth centenary, and the global promotion of Assamese art, crafts, gamosa and black tea.

He criticised the opposition, alleging that it had consistently opposed initiatives that enhanced Assam’s dignity, including cultural recognition, industrial projects and land rights for the tea community. He accused the opposition of vote-bank politics, appeasement and protecting illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators, and said safeguarding Assam’s identity remains a top priority.

Concluding his address, Modi said Eastern India and the Northeast are emerging as the growth engines of the nation. He said the fertilizer produced at Namrup would serve not only Assam but also Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal and eastern Uttar Pradesh. The project, he said, symbolises the Northeast’s growing contribution to a self-reliant India and reinforces the region’s role as “Ashtalakshmi”.

Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal were among the dignitaries present.

Background:

The Prime Minister performed the bhoomi pujan for the brownfield Ammonia–Urea Fertilizer Project within the existing premises of Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizer Corporation Limited at Namrup. With an estimated investment of over ₹10,600 crore, the project aims to meet fertilizer demand in Assam and neighbouring states, reduce import dependence, generate large-scale employment and drive regional economic development.

Also Read: LIVE | PM Modi Reaches Namrup for Foundation-Laying of New Urea Project