PM Modi Inaugurates HURL’s Barauni Fertilizer Plant, Promising Affordable Urea for Farmers

PM Modi inaugurated the Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Ltd (HURL) fertilizer plant in Barauni on March 02, 2024, marking a significant milestone in India's quest for self-reliance in urea production. The plant, developed at a cost exceeding Rs 9500 crore, stands as a testament to the government's commitment to revitalizing the country's fertilizer sector. PM Modi underscored the importance of the Barauni fertilizer plant, emphasizing that its revival fulfills a longstanding commitment. He hailed this achievement as a boon for farmers nationwide, particularly those in Bihar, as it promises to enhance their productivity and financial stability.

The Barauni Fertilizer Plant, operated by Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Limited (HURL), commenced urea production in October 2022. This state-of-the-art facility is part of the government's initiative to revive closed urea units of Fertilizer Corporation of India Ltd. (FCIL) and Hindustan Fertilizers Corporation Ltd (HFCL), to achieve self-sufficiency in urea production.

Prime Minister Modi reiterated the government's focus on key areas such as energy, fertilizers, and connectivity, which he emphasized as foundational pillars of development. Recognizing their crucial role in both agriculture and industry, he affirmed the government's unwavering commitment to bolstering these sectors.

HURL's Contribution to Self-Reliance

Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Ltd (HURL), established in June 2016 as a Joint Venture Company by Coal India Limited (CIL), NTPC Limited (NTPC), Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), and FCIL/HFCL, plays a pivotal role in revitalizing urea production in India. The company's mandate to revive units in Gorakhpur, Sindri, and Barauni represents a significant step towards achieving Prime Minister Modi's vision of an 'Aatmanirbhar' (self-reliant) India.

With the commencement of operations at all three plants, HURL is set to add 38.1 LMTPA (Lakh Metric Tonnes Per Annum) of indigenous urea production capacity to the country. This substantial increase not only improves fertilizer availability for farmers but also aligns with the government's objective of bolstering the nation's economy and ensuring food security.

Technological Advancements and Economic Impact

The HURL Plants boast state-of-the-art features, including blast-proof control rooms equipped with advanced systems for monitoring and emergency shutdowns. Additionally, innovative initiatives like India's First Air Operated Bullet Proof Rubber Dam underscore the plants' commitment to environmental sustainability and operational excellence.

Beyond urea production, the HURL project is poised to catalyze regional development, with a focus on infrastructure enhancement and the growth of ancillary industries. The establishment of small and medium-scale enterprises around the manufacturing units promises to create a ripple effect, fostering entrepreneurship and generating employment opportunities in the region.

Towards Self-Reliance & Economic Prosperity

As the Gorakhpur and Sindri Plants of HURL have already been commissioned, the operation of these facilities marks a significant stride towards achieving self-reliance in urea production. This not only reduces dependence on imports but also becomes a crucial step towards realizing the vision of an 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India) in the fertilizer sector.