Prime Minister Modi Unveils Major Fertilizer Plant in Assam, Critiques Congress
Foundation Stone Laid for New Fertilizer Plant
Namrup, Dec 21: During a recent event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a strong critique of the Congress party, accusing it of shielding illegal Bangladeshi immigrants and resisting efforts to clean up voter lists. This took place as he laid the foundation for a significant ammonia-urea plant worth Rs 10,601 crore in Dibrugarh district.
Speaking to a large audience after performing the bhoomi puja, Modi emphasized the need to protect Assam from the Congress's politics of appeasement, which he claims obstructs essential voter list reforms and major development initiatives led by the BJP.
He highlighted the neglect faced by Assam and the Northeast under previous Congress administrations, stating, “Namrup was once a hub for fertilizer production and a beacon of hope for farmers. However, outdated practices and Congress's negligence led to diminished output and eventual shutdowns, adversely affecting farmers across the region.”
Modi pointed out that the new plant would provide affordable fertilizers, boost local production, and lower logistics expenses, addressing the high costs associated with urea imports. He noted that the government subsidizes urea significantly, allowing farmers to purchase it at around Rs 300 per bag, and stressed the importance of increasing domestic production capacity to approximately 380 lakh metric tonnes annually.
He also mentioned various government initiatives aimed at supporting farmers, including the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi, which has seen nearly Rs 4 lakh crore transferred directly to farmers, along with new programs like PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana and Dalhan Atmanirbharta Mission.
Modi remarked that Kisan Credit Cards have been beneficial for fish and poultry farmers, with credit disbursement surpassing Rs 10 lakh crore this year.
Reinforcing the theme of socio-economic transformation, he stated that 25 crore individuals have risen out of poverty, contributing to the emergence of a new middle class. “Items once deemed luxuries, such as motorcycles and refrigerators, are now commonplace in rural areas due to government empowerment initiatives,” he added.
He also underscored Assam's strategic significance, referencing various infrastructure projects, including airports, highways, and energy facilities.
In a nod to international relations, Modi recalled presenting Assam's black tea to Russian President Vladimir Putin during his visit to India.
The Namrup project will be executed by Assam Valley Fertiliser and Chemical Company Ltd (AVFCCL), which is expected to produce 12.7 lakh metric tonnes of urea annually, with operations slated to commence in 2030. AVFCCL is a collaboration involving the Assam government, Oil India, National Fertilisers Ltd, Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Ltd, and Brahmaputra Valley Fertiliser Corporation Ltd.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal remarked that the revival of the Namrup fertilizer plant had been a long-standing demand from the people of Assam for over forty years. He criticized the Congress for ignoring this need, even during Manmohan Singh's tenure as Prime Minister.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that the project exemplifies Modi's commitment to ensuring that Assam's natural resources benefit its residents, noting that the state will receive a 40% stake in the initiative. He highlighted the transformative projects initiated under Modi's leadership, including the revival of the Namrup fertilizer plant and expansions in various sectors.