Assam has picked up a new momentum of development: PM
Our government is placing farmers' welfare at the centre of all its efforts: PM
Initiatives like PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana and the Dalhan Atmanirbharta Mission are launched to promote farming and support farmers: PM
Guided by the vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, our efforts have transformed the lives of poor: PM

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of Ammonia-Urea Fertilizer Project of Assam Valley Fertilizer and Chemical Company Limited at Namrup in Dibrugarh, Assam today. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Shri Modi remarked that this is the land of great heroes like Chaolung Sukhapa and Mahaveer Lachit Borphukan. He highlighted the contributions of Bhimbar Deuri, Shaheed Kushal Kunvar, Moran King Bodousa, Malati Mem, Indira Miri, Swargadeo Sarbananda Singh, and the valiant Sati Sadhani. The Prime Minister stated that he bows to the sacred soil of Ujani Assam, this great land of valor and sacrifice.

Shri Modi observed that he could see people gathered in large numbers ahead, extending their affection. He especially highlighted the presence of mothers and sisters, noting that the love and blessings they brought were extraordinary. He remarked that many sisters had come carrying the fragrance of Assam’s tea gardens. The Prime Minister stated that this fragrance creates a unique feeling in his relationship with Assam. He bowed to all present and expressed gratitude for their affection and love.

Stating that today is a historic day for Assam and the entire North East, Shri Modi remarked that the long-awaited dream of Namrup and Dibrugarh has been fulfilled, as a new chapter of industrial progress begins in the region. He highlighted that just a short while ago he performed the bhoomi pujan of the Ammonia–Urea Fertilizer Plant, and before arriving in Dibrugarh, inaugurated the new terminal at Guwahati Airport. The Prime Minister noted that everyone is saying Assam has now caught a new pace of development. He emphasized that what is being witnessed today is only the beginning, and Assam must be taken much further ahead. He recalled the strength and role Assam held during the Ahom kingdom and asserted that in a developed India, Assam will play an equally powerful role. He underlined the start of new industries, the building of modern infrastructure, semiconductor manufacturing, new opportunities in agriculture, the advancement of tea gardens and their workers, and the growing potential in tourism, affirming that Assam is progressing in every sector. Shri Modi extended his best wishes for the modern fertilizer plant and congratulated the people for the new terminal at Guwahati Airport. He remarked that under their governments at Union and state, the synergy of industry and connectivity is fulfilling Assam’s dreams and inspiring the youth to dream bigger.

Emphasizing that in building a developed India, the nation’s farmers and annadatas have a crucial role, the PM stated that the government is working with farmers’ interests as the top priority and that farmer-friendly schemes are being extended to all. He highlighted that alongside agricultural welfare initiatives, it is essential to ensure a continuous supply of fertilizers to farmers. Shri Modi remarked that in the coming time, the new urea plant will guarantee this supply. He noted that around ₹11,000 crore will be invested in the fertilizer project, which will produce more than 12 lakh metric tonnes of fertilizer annually. He underlined that with production taking place locally, supply will be faster and logistic costs will be reduced.

Highlighting that the Namrup unit will generate thousands of new opportunities for employment and self-employment, Shri Modi remarked that with the plant becoming operational, many people will secure permanent jobs locally. He added that associated work such as repair, supply, and other related activities will also provide employment to the youth.

Shri Modi questioned why such farmer welfare initiatives are happening only after their government came to power. He noted that Namrup had long been a center of fertilizer production, and at one time the fertilizer produced here strengthened the fields of the North East and supported farmers’ crops. He recalled that even when fertilizer supply was a challenge in many parts of the country, Namrup remained a source of hope for farmers. However, he pointed out that the technology of the old plants became outdated over time and previous governments paid no attention. As a result, several units of the Namrup plant were shut down, leaving farmers across the North East distressed, their incomes hurt, and agricultural difficulties increasing. The Prime Minister asserted that today, their governments at Union and State are resolving the problems created by the previous ruling dispensation.

Prime Minister remarked that just like in Assam, fertilizer factories in many other states had also shut down. He recalled the difficult conditions farmers faced at that time, when they had to stand in long queues for urea, police had to be deployed at shops, and farmers were subjected to lathi charges. He stated that the opposition had worsened these conditions, while the present government is correcting them. He highlighted that during the previous ruling dispensation era fertilizer factories were closing, whereas the current government has started several plants in Gorakhpur, Sindri, Barauni, and Ramagundam. He added that the private sector is also being encouraged in this field. The Prime Minister emphasized that as a result of these efforts, India is moving towards self-reliance in the area of urea.

“In 2014 the country produced only 225 lakh metric tonnes of urea, whereas today production has reached nearly 306 lakh metric tonnes”, highlighted the Prime Minister, noting that India requires about 380 lakh metric tonnes of urea annually and the government is working swiftly to bridge this gap. He emphasized that the government is highly sensitive to the interests of farmers. Shri Modi remarked that even the urea imported at high prices from abroad is not allowed to burden farmers, as their government bears that cost through subsidies. He stated that Indian farmers receive a bag of urea for just ₹300, while the government pays nearly ₹3,000 to other countries for that same bag. He underlined that the remaining amount is covered by their government so that farmer brothers and sisters do not face any financial burden. He further urged the farmers to save soil by optimising the usage of Urea and other fertilizers.

Prime Minister Modi stated that today, from seed to market, their government stands firmly with farmers. He highlighted that money for farm work is being directly transferred into farmers’ accounts so they do not have to wander for loans. He remarked that so far, nearly ₹4 lakh crore has been sent to farmers’ accounts under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi. The Prime Minister noted that this year alone, two schemes worth ₹35,000 crore have been launched to support farmers. He emphasized that the PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana and the Dalhan Atmanirbharta Mission will further promote agriculture.

Underlining that the government is working by keeping every need of farmers in mind, Shri Modi remarked that when crops are damaged due to adverse weather, farmers are supported through the crop insurance scheme. He highlighted that procurement arrangements have been improved to ensure farmers receive the right price for their produce. The Prime Minister affirmed that the government firmly believes the nation can progress only when farmers are strong, and every possible effort is being made towards this.

The Prime Minister noted that after the formation of the government at the Centre, livestock farmers and fish farmers were also included under the Kisan Credit Card facility, and they are benefiting greatly from it. He emphasized that through KCC, farmers have received assistance of more than ₹10 lakh crore this year. He added that the reduction of GST on bio-fertilizers has also provided significant relief to farmers. Shri Modi underlined that their government is actively encouraging natural farming, with the launch of the National Mission on Natural Farming that has already connected lakhs of farmers. He pointed out that in recent years, 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) have been established across the country. He further highlighted that with special focus on the North East, the government has launched a mission related to oil palm, which will not only make India self-reliant in edible oils but also enhance the income of farmers in the region.

Highlighting that a large number of tea garden workers are present in this region, the PM stated that it was their government which facilitated the opening of Jan Dhan bank accounts for seven and a half lakh tea garden workers in Assam. He remarked that by being connected to the banking system, these workers now have the benefit of direct transfer of money into their accounts. The Prime Minister emphasized that the government is expanding facilities such as schools, roads, electricity, water, and hospitals in tea garden areas.

Underlining that the government is moving forward with the mantra of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, and this vision has brought a major transformation in the lives of the poor, Shri Modi noted that in the past 11 years, 25 crore people have come out of poverty due to these efforts, and a neo-middle class has emerged in the country. He added that this has been possible because the living standards of poor families have continuously improved in recent years.

The Prime Minister pointed out that fresh data has come which symbolizes the changes taking place in India. He highlighted that earlier, among the poorest families in villages, only one in ten had a bike, whereas now nearly half the families in villages own a bike or a car. He remarked that mobile phones have reached almost every household, and items like refrigerators, once considered a luxury, have now become common, finding a place even in village kitchens. He noted that despite the spread of smartphones, the trend of owning televisions in villages has increased. Shri Modi emphasized that these changes did not happen on their own, but because the poor of the country are becoming empowered and even those living in remote areas are now benefiting from development.

Underscoring that their Governments at the Union & State are governments for the poor, tribals, youth, and women, and is working to end decades of violence in Assam and the North East, Shri Modi underlined that the government has always kept Assam’s identity and culture paramount, highlighting symbols of Assamese pride on every platform. He pointed out that this is why the government proudly built a 125-foot statue of Mahaveer Lachit Borphukan, celebrated the birth centenary of Bhupen Hazarika, and promoted Assam’s art, crafts, and the Gamosa to global recognition. He mentioned that just a few days ago, when Russian President H.E. Mr. Vladimir Putin visited Delhi, he gifted him Assam’s black tea with great pride.

The Prime Minister asserted that every effort that enhances Assam’s dignity is given priority. He remarked that when they undertake such work, it causes the greatest discomfort to the opposition. He recalled that when the government conferred the Bharat Ratna on Bhupen Hazarika, opposition openly opposed it, with its national president commenting, ‘Modi was giving Bharat Ratna to singers and performers’. He added that even when a semiconductor unit was set up in Assam, opposition opposed it. The Prime Minister reminded that it was the opposition government that for decades denied land rights to the tea community brothers and sisters, whereas their government has given them land rights and a dignified life. He stated that the opposition continues to push anti-national thinking, seeking to settle Bangladeshi infiltrators on Assam’s forests and lands to strengthen its vote bank.

Prime Minister further stated that the Opposition has no concern for Assam, its people, or their identity, and is only interested in power and government. He remarked that the Opposition prefers illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators, settled them, and continues to protect them. He highlighted that this is why the Opposition opposes the purification of voter lists. Shri Modi emphasized that Assam must be safeguarded from the poison of Opposition’s appeasement and vote-bank politics. He assured the people that their party stands like a shield to protect Assam’s identity and honor.

Underlining that in building a developed India, Shri Modi said the role of Eastern India and the North East is continuously increasing, reiterating that Eastern India will become the growth engine of the nation’s development. He pointed out that the new Namrup unit is a symbol of this transformation, as the fertilizer produced here will not only serve Assam’s fields but also reach Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Eastern Uttar Pradesh. He stressed that this is a significant contribution of the North East to the country’s fertilizer needs. The Prime Minister concluded by remarking that projects like Namrup demonstrate that in the coming time, the North East will emerge as a major center of self-reliant India and will remain as Asthalakshmi in true sense. He once again congratulated everyone on the new fertilizer plant.

Governor of Assam, Shri Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Chief Minister of Assam, Shri Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Minister, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal were present among other dignitaries at the event.

Background

Prime Minister performed Bhoomipujan of the new brownfield Ammonia-Urea Fertilizer Project at Namrup, in Dibrugarh, Assam, within the existing premises of Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizer Corporation Limited (BVFCL).

Furthering Prime Minister’s vision of Farmers’ Welfare, the project, with an estimated investment of over Rs. 10,600 crore, will meet fertilizer requirements of Assam and neighbouring states, reduce import dependence, generate substantial employment and catalyse regional economic development. It stands as a cornerstone of industrial revival and farmer welfare.

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Yoga connects us all and brings us together: PM Modi in Kolkata on International Yoga Day
June 21, 2026
Yoga connects us all and brings us together: PM
When yoga becomes a way of life, it becomes the foundation of human unity: PM
Yoga helps us tune our bodies to be flexible; It keeps our energy levels high: PM
Yoga teaches us the art of living a balanced life: PM
Yoga shows the path from mental well-being to physical well-being: PM

Honourable Governor Shri R. N. Ravi Ji, the energetic Chief Minister Shri Suvendu Adhikari Ji, my colleague in the Union Government Shri Prataprao Jadhav Ji, all other distinguished dignitaries present on the dais, all the participants gathered here in Kolkata, everyone joining this Yoga celebration from across India and around the world, and my dear fellow countrymen, My greetings to all of you. 

June 21st is the day when, in some parts of the Earth, the longest duration of daylight occurs. And because of International Yoga Day, June 21st has also become the day of the world’s largest collective celebration. From different corners of the globe, extraordinary images of yoga are arriving. In India, from the Himalayas to the Indian Ocean, from the Northeast and Bengal in the east to Saurashtra in the west, the entire nation appears filled with the energy and consciousness of yoga. The whole country, the whole world, looks connected - and that is the true power of yoga. Yoga unites everyone, yoga brings everyone together. On this occasion, I extend my heartfelt greetings to the entire world, to all of humanity, on International Yoga Day.

Friends,

Today, on Yoga Day, I would like to commend the people of Kolkata for the Yoga of Cleanliness that has been created here, especially in Bengal. This is a wonderful initiative – the consistent efforts and civic duty that have been undertaken here for the Swachhata Se Swagat initiative have become a great inspiration for all our countrymen.

Friends,

Being in Bengal on the occasion of Yoga Day is truly special. This sacred land of Bengal, where saints like Bhagwan Ramakrishna Paramhansa were born, where Swami Vivekananda introduced yoga to the entire world, where great yogis like Maharshi Aurobindo were born, where Lahiri Mahasaya elevated the yoga tradition to new heights - experiencing collective yoga on this soil gives a unique spiritual feeling. Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, born on this land, believed that the identity of man lies not in remaining separate, but in connecting with the world around him. This connection is the essence of yoga. Maharshi Aurobindo also said - our entire life is yoga, whether we are aware of it or not. When yoga becomes part of our nature, it becomes the foundation of human unity.

Friends,

Yoga is not merely a means of physical exercise. Yoga is not limited to any one age group. In India, we know and have seen that yoga is a light in human life, a union with consciousness and energy. That is why this year’s theme for International Yoga Day has been chosen as Yoga for Healthy Ageing. Even as age advances, we can remain healthy, energetic, and active - yoga shows us the way for this. 

Friends,

When we speak of "Yoga for Healthy Aging," It means that we can work to ensure that age does not reduce human potential. Yoga can help human life to aspire for constant growth. Our target must be to be more flexible at 40 than we were at 20. Our target must be to be more energetic at 50 than we were at 30. Our target must be to be more resistant to lifestyle diseases at 70 than we were at 50. This is where Yoga can help us. It helps us tune our bodies to be flexible. It keeps our energy levels high, it also helps us maintain a calm stress-free life and helps keep lifestyle diseases away. Moreover, with regular practice, Yoga teaches us to remain lifelong learners of our own bodies and minds. The more we know about ourselves, the better we can manage ourselves. That is why, Yoga for Healthy Aging. This theme must be seen as one for people of all ages, not just for the elderly.

Friends,

In the Gita, Lord Krishna spoke about yoga: “Yukta ahara viharasya, yukta cheshtasya karmasu, Yukta swapnavabodhasya, yogo bhavati dukhaha.” This means through balanced food and recreation, balanced actions and duties, balanced sleep and wakefulness, yoga becomes the destroyer of sorrow. Balance is the foundation of yoga. Balance is also the foundation of our lives. Yet, in modern times, most people struggle with imbalance in life. Yoga teaches us the art of living in a balanced way. Yoga shows us the do’s and don’ts. And when we learn to guide our body properly, health becomes our natural state.

Friends,

Yoga does not only focus on our physical health. Yoga shows the path from mental health to physical health. That is why it is said in yoga - “Yukta cheshtasya karmasu” - meaning, awareness of what we should do and what we should not do. This awareness becomes a source of peace in our lives, and it also opens the path to world peace. That is why yoga today is not only essential for our personal lifestyle, but it is also a necessity for a better future of the world.

Friends,

On International Yoga Day, millions of people connect with yoga. But today gives us the opportunity to renew our shared resolve. Let us pledge that yoga will not be limited to just one day, yoga will not be confined to just one program. We will make yoga a part of our lives, a part of our families, and a part of future generations.

Friends,

In this direction, the initiative “Yoga 365” has also been advanced this year. Under this, a 100-day online yoga program was organized, which saw unprecedented public participation. More than 3 million people from 130 countries took part in it.

Friends,

When society is healthy, the nation becomes more capable, more prosperous, and more confident. I wish for all of you: “Sarve bhavantu sukhinah, sarve santu niramayah.” With this, I once again extend my heartfelt greetings to all of you on International Yoga Day.

Thank you very much!