Nagpur: Agrovision, a farmers' event patronised by Union minister for road transport and highways Nitin Gadkari, had tractors running on CNG as well as biofuel on display on Friday. Gadkari, who is a strong champion of alternative fuels, has been insisting tractor companies develop tilling machines that run on CNG and biofuel. Now, ready with the tractors, the companies are looking forward to getting the machines certified under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR). They also expect an adequate network of CNG and biofuel filling stations will be built in rural areas to go ahead with the commercial launch, said sources in the industry.
The alternative fuel tractors have been launched over the last one to two years. TOI spoke to TR Kesavan, group president of TAFE, who expressed hope that the entire ecosystem will be in place. "The tractor manufacturers are now ready with the biofuel or CNG tractors. They are in the process of getting them certified under the CMVR. The govt has promised that adequate infrastructure for filling outlets will be put in place. Based on the availability of the outlets, the vehicles are expected to be launched in the respective areas," said Kesavan on the sidelines of the Agrovision event.
Mahindra, the largest player in the segment, also had the dual-fuel tractor on display at the event, among other companies. Sources in other companies also said there needs to be a proper network of CNG and biofuel filling outlets in rural areas. At present, they are found in cities, but to sell tractors, even villages need to have the outlets, said a source in one of the companies.
The development of alternative fuel tractors relates to the Euro VI emission norms. A delegation of tractor makers had met Gadkari seeking relaxation in norms, as their implementation would increase tractor rates by another Rs1 lakh. On this, the minister had said that they should come up with tractors that run on CNG and biofuel, if not, the norms would be applicable. This would not only reduce emissions but also help farmers, whom Gadkari wants to develop as suppliers for feedstock to make biofuel.
Delivering the inaugural lecture at Argovisoin, Gadkari said Indian Oil Corporation will be setting up 400 CNG filing stations. Biofuel would lead to saving of at least Rs1 lakh for the farmers. The minister said his firm (erstwhile Purti Group now CIAN Agro and Manas Agro, run by his sons) too will be making CNG. A plant of 5 tonne capacity will be inaugurated soon.
Companies like Mahindra and TAFE have come up with tractors that run on alternative fuel.
"Even Nagpur has three CNG pumps. In the coming days, tractors and other vehicles will run on electric power and biofuel. This will not only reduce pollution but also benefit farmers. We have been talking about this since last 15 years but now we are set to achieve the goal," he said.