A national-level panel at O.P. Jindal Global University, co-organized by the Energy and Petrochemicals Department, drew experts from fertilizers, agriculture, academia, and think tanks. They tackled India’s heavy import reliance for critical inputs like potash and phosphates, which expose farmers to international market whims.

Discussions highlighted tech-driven innovations and policy tweaks to ramp up local manufacturing of urea, DAP, and NPK blends. Advocates pushed nano-urea and bio-based options to cut import bills, lower production costs, and promote eco-friendly farming.

With supply chain shocks from global events hitting hard, self-reliance isn’t optional—it’s imperative for India’s agri-economy. The panel called for unified action across stakeholders to secure consistent fertilizer access.

Parallel tracks unveiled Gujarat’s tourism ambitions for tribal and rural belts. Minister Dr. Jayram Gamit, addressing a key seminar, touted Saputara’s surge: from 1.13 lakh tourists in 2023-24 to 1.19 lakh expected by 2025-26. Plans include eco-tourism hubs, heritage trails, and infrastructure upgrades to empower local tribes and draw global visitors.

Approved by the Cabinet chaired by PM Narendra Modi on November 26, 2025, this Rs 7,280 crore scheme breaks new ground. It dangles Rs 750 crore capital subsidies and a whopping Rs 6,450 crore in sales-linked incentives to lure investors. Top three bidders snag priority NdPr oxide from state-run IREL, fast-tracking their operations.

The procurement plays out digitally on the CPP portal via a fair, two-phase LCS process. Tender docs drop March 20, 2026; pre-bid huddle on April 7; submission deadline May 28; technical bids open May 29.

These magnets aren’t just powerful—they’re indispensable. Fueling EV motors, wind energy generators, consumer gadgets, aircraft components, and military hardware, REPMs are the unsung heroes of modern tech. India’s plan spans the entire chain, from raw NdPr oxide to polished products, poised to dismantle import barriers and ignite domestic growth.

Industry watchers hail this as a game-changer. With China dominating 90% of global production, India’s entry could reshape trade dynamics, bolster national security, and spawn thousands of skilled jobs. As the bid window opens, entrepreneurs and conglomerates gear up to claim a slice of this high-stakes opportunity, propelling India into the league of magnet manufacturing powerhouses.