New compact utility tractor to uplift marginal and small farmers

New Delhi: A new compact, affordable, and easily manoeuvrable tractor, developed by the CSIR-Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-CMERI), promises to significantly improve agricultural productivity for India’s small and marginal farmers. 

This innovative tractor, designed with the support of the SEED Division of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), is set to be mass-produced by an MSME, providing a much-needed solution for over 80% of cultivators in India who fall into this category.

Marginal and small farmers often rely on bullock-driven farming, which is not only labour-intensive but also incurs high operational and maintenance costs with poor returns. While power tillers have started to replace traditional ploughing methods, they are cumbersome to operate. Standard tractors, on the other hand, remain unsuitable and unaffordable for most small farmers.

To address these challenges, CSIR-CMERI has developed a compact tractor with a low horsepower range, specifically tailored to the needs of marginal and small farmers. This new tractor, equipped with a 9 hp diesel engine, 8 forward and 2 reverse speeds, and a PTO with 6 splines at 540 rpm, weighs around 450 kg. It features front and rear wheel sizes of 4.5-10 and 6-16 respectively, a wheelbase of 1200 mm, ground clearance of 255 mm, and a turning radius of 1.75 m.

The compact tractor is designed to complete farming tasks in a few hours compared to the several days required by bullock carts. This efficiency not only speeds up farming processes but also reduces the capital and maintenance costs for farmers, making it an ideal replacement for traditional ploughing methods.

CSIR-CMERI has promoted the technology among several existing Self Help Groups (SHGs) and is working to create new SHGs specifically for this technology. They are also in discussions to license the technology to local companies for large-scale manufacturing, ensuring that the benefits reach local farmers.

The tractor’s technology was demonstrated in nearby villages and to various manufacturers. A Ranchi-based MSME has expressed interest in manufacturing the tractor and plans to set up a plant for mass production. They aim to supply the developed tractors to farmers through different state government tenders at subsidized rates.

This initiative is expected to play a crucial role in the socio-economic upliftment of small and marginal farmers by enhancing their agricultural productivity and reducing their operational costs.