Gadkari urges tractor makers to switch to alternative fuel technology

Minister of Road, Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari urged tractor manufacturers to use alternative fuel technologies to replace the fuel-guzzling diesel in the long term. He noted that the government would consider deferring new emission norms for tractors, provided the manufacturers aggressively adopt alternative fuel technologies.

“I am happy that we introduced Euro 6 emission standards for cars and buses. These standards were also set to apply to tractors, but tractor manufacturers warned that it would increase their costs by Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1.15 lakh,” Gadkari said while speaking at the Millionaire Farmer of India Awards 2024, organised by Krishi Jagran.
 
“In response, I offered a condition - I would agree to defer the implementation of the new norms if they adopted alternative fuels like CNG, electricity, or ethanol in flex-fuel engines for tractors. I am pleased to report that companies like Mahindra, Massey Ferguson, Sonalika, and others have successfully implemented these changes.”

Currently, Indian tractors above 50 HP are operating under the TREM-IV emission norms. Those below 50 HP, which comprises the majority of the tractors, are operating under the TREM-IIIA emission norms. These norms similar to the European emission norms, are implemented to reduce carbon emissions.

TREM-V norms are expected to be rolled out in April 2026. Tractor makers have warned about the potential increase in the cost of tractors with the implementation of TREM-V norms. The new norms are expected to result in higher costs of servicing as well because TREM-V tractors could require specialized workshops rather than local mechanics. 

India, which aims net zero target by 2070, is currently the world’s third-largest net importer of crude oil and petroleum products. It is also one of the biggest emitters of greenhouse gases. The government has set a target of 15% natural gas share in its energy mix by the end of the decade.

Among various alternative fuel options to reduce the dependence on fossil fuels, the government is pushing the 15% blending of methanol with diesel, targeting commercial vehicles. This is very cost effective, as per the minister.

The government has set a target of 30% electric vehicle penetration by the end of the decade, with two-wheelers and three-wheelers leading the adoption. Apart from EV, the government is also pushing for LNG, green hydrogen for long-haul commercial vehicles.

The government also mandated the blending of compressed biogas in compressed natural gas (CNG) for transport in a phased manner from the financial year 2025-26 with a target of 5% blending from 2028-29.