CSIR has developed the tractor in collaboration with the Science for Equity Empowerment and Development (SEED) Division of the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
The number of marginal and small farmers in India is more than 80 percent. A large population of them still depends on bullock-driven farming in which operational costs, maintenance costs and poor returns are a challenge.
"Although power tillers are replacing bullock-drawn ploughs, they are cumbersome to operate. Tractors, on the other hand, are unsuitable for small farmers and are beyond the reach of most small farmers," the ministry said.
CSIR-CMERI is discussing licensing the technology to local companies for large-scale manufacturing so that the benefits can reach local farmers.
A Ranchi based MSME has shown interest in manufacturing the tractor by setting up a plant for mass production of it. The ministry has mentioned that they are planning to supply the developed tractors to farmers at concessional rates through various state government tenders.
The tractor is developed with 9 HP (horsepower) diesel engine with 8 forward and 2 reverse speeds, with 6 splines at 540 rpm. The gross weight of the tractor is approximately 450 kg, with front and rear wheel sizes of 4.5-10 and 6-16 respectively.
The wheelbase, ground clearance and turning radius are 1200 mm, 255 mm and 1.75 m respectively.
The number of marginal and small farmers in India is more than 80 percent. A large population of them still depends on bullock-driven farming in which operational costs, maintenance costs and poor returns are a challenge.
"Although power tillers are replacing bullock-drawn ploughs, they are cumbersome to operate. Tractors, on the other hand, are unsuitable for small farmers and are beyond the reach of most small farmers," the ministry said.
CSIR-CMERI is discussing licensing the technology to local companies for large-scale manufacturing so that the benefits can reach local farmers.
A Ranchi based MSME has shown interest in manufacturing the tractor by setting up a plant for mass production of it. The ministry has mentioned that they are planning to supply the developed tractors to farmers at concessional rates through various state government tenders.
The tractor is developed with 9 HP (horsepower) diesel engine with 8 forward and 2 reverse speeds, with 6 splines at 540 rpm. The gross weight of the tractor is approximately 450 kg, with front and rear wheel sizes of 4.5-10 and 6-16 respectively.
The wheelbase, ground clearance and turning radius are 1200 mm, 255 mm and 1.75 m respectively.
