Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on August 7 urged the Indian Farmers’ Fertilizers Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) to come forward to set up a nano urea plant in the state.
CM Sarma was speaking after virtually flagging off the first consignment of nano urea, developed by IFFCO, to Assam, through a video conference held at Chief Minister’s Office in Guwahati on August 7.
World’s first nano urea, developed by IFFCO, is expected to substitute a major portion of conventional urea.
Speaking on the occasion, CM Himanta Biswa Sarma termed this initiative of IFFCO as ‘game changer’ in the history of modern agriculture across the globe because of its many positive benefits. He congratulated IFFCO on its innovative endeavour and hope that in the future also it continues its impressive performance to bring about paradigm shift in the agriculture sector.
Mentioning about prime minister’s vision for welfare of the farmers, the Assam chief minister said that Government of India has spent about Rs 55,000 crore towards subsidy for urea alone during the FY 2019-20.
He hoped that introduction of nano urea will save huge amount of money from public exchequer. Transportation, handling and warehousing cost will also substantially reduce as only 1 bottle (500 ml) of nano urea will supply equivalent amount of crop nutrient that 1 bag (45 kg) conventional urea provides.
The chief minister also thanked IFFCO for sharing its valuable technology with other PSUs for the benefit of the common farmers.
In his speech, CM Sarma urged IFFCO to come forward for setting up a nano urea plant in Assam. Pointing to the acute crisis of urea and other fertilizers in the state from time to time, he asked IFFCO to look after the issue of fertilizer shortages in the state and take initiative for streamlining the fertilizer distribution channels for smooth supply of urea and other fertilizers to the farmers of the state.
Agriculture minister Atul Bora and managing director at IFFCO, Udai Shanker Awasthi, also spoke on the occasion. IFFCO chairman Balbinder Singh Nakai delivered the welcome speech, while the vote of thanks was offered by Dileep Sanghani, vice chairman at IFFCO.
Industry minister Chandra Mohan Patowary, political secretary to chief minister Jayanta Malla Baruah and several other officials from IFFCO were also present during the virtual flag-off ceremony.
