Farming in India is one of the main occupations of the rural people. From previous decades to this one, tractors have helped farmers work faster, save time, and increase crop production. Also, India tractors are widely famous all over the world. As the country produces the largest share of tractors in the world.
Tractors help farmers in various ways, such as ploughing, land preparation, carrying the crops, etc. Most of the Indian tractors run on diesel. But nowadays, companies have started manufacturing electric tractors that run on a battery. As electric cars are gaining popularity in India. In the same way, electric tractors are also starting to gain attention in agriculture.
Electric Tractors Advantages
Electric tractors have multiple advantages for the farm and the environment. In this article, we will read about the benefits and current status of electric tractors in India.
Tractor Importance in Farming
Tractors are important for different purposes, from medium-sized to large-sized land. It reduces the labour cost and save time of the farmer. In the previous decades, the farmers used manual labour to perform several work of field. Then, tractors and other farm machinery started being introduced in the market. Soon, it started replacing human labourers and made farming more efficient.
Now, a new change can be seen in the tractor industry. Companies have started creating electric tractors with replacing the diesel ones. This change is not only for the machines, but is also for the environment. As the country moves toward cleaner energy, the idea of electric tractors is getting popular in farmers.
Electric Tractors
As the names suggest, electric tractors are a type of tractor that uses electricity for working. These tractors use batteries that can be charged using electricity and solar power. The main components of an electric tractor are that it does not burn fuel, does not produce pollution, and produces zero tailpipe emissions. Also, these tractors have simpler engine parts, lower noise, and smoother operation.
Benefits of Electric Tractors
The electric tractors will soon cover the agricultural market. It is considered the future of tractors. There are several benefits of electric tractors, and some of them are described below:
Less Pollution
Electric tractors do not produce any pollution for the air. This means healthier air around farms, less pollution, and better conditions for workers. As per the statistics, agriculture itself contribute 14% of total greenhouse gas emissions. If we switch the fuel-tractors to the electric ones. It will help in improving the environmental conditions.
Saves Money
The price of eclectic tractor and fuel-based tractors is similar. However, the maintenance cost for both tractors differs. The electric tractors are more affordable than the regular ones. Fuel costs for diesel can go up and down, and diesel is costly. On the other hand, electricity prices are similar in all the states. Also, charging a tractor battery costs less than filling up a diesel tank. Thus, in every use, the electric tractor saves the user money.
Noiseless
Working with diesel tractors is so loud, and it creates noise in the operation. At the time of ploughing the field, regular tractors make so much noise in the early morning or afternoon. It causes irritation and headaches to the farmer. In contrast, the use of an electric tractor is so smooth and makes no noise. This will help in peaceful farming procedures and be less stressful for farmers and neighbours.
Modern technology
The electric tractors are coming up with adding more features than regular tractors. These tractors are technologically advanced. It has modern features like GPS tracking, sensors, etc. Also, it has the technology through which farmers can plan and monitor their work.
Use of Green Energy
Apart from using electricity for charging the tractors. Farmers can install solar panels in their fields, and from them they can charge their electric tractors. This approach gives farmers complete green and sustainable energy. Also, it saves money and creates a self-sufficient farm land. This should be a big goal for many rural farmers and communities.
History of Electric Tractors
AutoNxt Automation is the first company to launch electric tractors in India. This company made a huge change in the agriculture industry. As soon as this company started selling the electricity tractor, other companies came up. Then, by 2024, several companies like Sonalika, Escorts, etc., started making electric tractors. In the year 2024 itself, around 127 electric tractors had been registered for use in India. In recent times, electric tractors have gained popularity, and the farmer has started buying them.
Diesel Tractor vs Electric Tractors
To find out the exact difference between the components of Diesel Tractors and Electric Tractors, refer to the table below:
| Feature | Diesel Tractor | Electric Tractor |
| Fuel Source | Diesel fuel | Electricity |
| Emissions | Produces smoke and gases | No harmful emissions |
| Noise | Loud | Quiet |
| Running Cost | Higher fuel cost | Lower electricity cost |
| Maintenance | At regular interval | Less |
An electric tractor is showing modern technology that suits the farm and the environment in various ways.
Shift in the Indian Farming
The current status of Electric tractors in Indian Farming is not so good. Because some of the farmers have less knowledge about modern technology in farming. Also, some of them are not ready to accept this technology due to the fear of handling the machine.
Thus, it is right that the shift from diesel tractors to electric tractors can not be done in a single day. However, there are positive signs that farmers want to learn about this new technology. Also, many of them have bought it and uare sing it. The complete evolution might take some time.
Farmers Opinion
Farmers are showing mixed opinions about the electric tractors. Some of them are ready to accept and use it. However, for some people, it is more expensive than diesel tractors and requires more technological language. It is hard to make them understand that it is one time investment and it will save your money further.
Till now, the sales of the diesel tractors compared to the electric tractors are high. Only a limited number of electric tractors have been sold.
Summary
In simple terms, the shift from diesel to electric tractors is not just about new machines. But it’s also about a smarter, cleaner, and more cost-effective way of farming. Electric tractors in India are bringing modern technology to farms. That leads reduce running costs and helps protect the environment. These battery-run tractors can help agriculture to grow productively and sustainably.