Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid foundation stones for development projects worth Rs 194.8 billion (bn) in Guwahati, Assam and authorised the release of Rs 180 bn under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme to farmers across the country. The events included initiatives across energy, transport and social welfare. The projects aim to enhance Assam's energy self?reliance and connectivity and to expand tourism and local economies. Upgrades to pipeline infrastructure and the completion of an ethanol plant in Golaghat were highlighted, together with the Lower Kopili hydropower project which will benefit the entire North East. Work has commenced on modern cruise terminals at Nimati Ghat and Bishwanath Ghat to expand water tourism on the Brahmaputra. The Prime Minister emphasised direct support to farmers, noting that more than Rs four point two five trillion (tn) has been deposited into the accounts of millions of smallholders since the scheme began. In Assam, about one point nine million (mn) farmers have received nearly Rs 80 bn to date. The government said that over Rs 20 tn has been disbursed as minimum support price payments in the last decade and that more than Rs 12 tn has been spent to shield farmers from global fertiliser price rises. Policies to connect farming with new technology were outlined, including expansion of micro?irrigation, promotion of solar pumps under the Kusum Yojana and support for nano urea and natural farming. Railway electrification was noted as reducing diesel consumption by nearly one point seven five billion litres and renewable energy projects are being advanced across Assam. The measures are intended to lower input costs for producers and increase resilience to external shocks. The government said that land pattas and housing provision are being extended to tea garden workers and that targeted measures will benefit women and children in those communities. Officials expect the infrastructure and welfare initiatives to create employment opportunities for youth, artisans, boatmen and small traders and to give new momentum to Assam and the wider North East.