A Crucial Juncture

THE FARMING EQUIPMENT INDUSTRY IS AT A CRUCIAL JUNCTURE. ASHISH BHATIA LOOKS AT THE DIRECTION IT IS TAKING.

- ASHISH BHATIA

The Farming Equipment (FE) segment is a crucial driver of an agricultural country like India. It is a key contributor to the country ranking second in the world. With the nation aiming to turn a USD five trillion economy, one can't overlook the USD 400 billion contributions of agriculture, only second after China. Tractor manufacturers must be credited for driving the transformation in the industry on a Year-Over-Year (YoY) basis. Like other automotive segments, this sub-segment is re-engineering the rules of the game. From aspects like form factor, overall design, touch and feel, coloured wheels (aftermarket), closed cabins and air-conditioned cabins to electric and autonomous machines are not far-fetched anymore. From prototypes, they have come a long way to witnessing commercialisation. The TREM Stage III A emission compliance with effect 201011 and the rollout of electric tractors are important steps in the direction of zero-emission. For tractors with greater than 50 hp engines, new compliances are expected to be rolled out. It has made India the first nation outside of the EU to adopt such stringent measures. Coupled with a winning combination of sustainable manufacturing footprint at leading tractor manufacturing plants this radicle evolution has gone well beyond just intent to execution.