Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA) hosted the second edition of the ACMA Farm Equipment & Implements Localization Expo on April 6-7 at Hotel Radisson in Ludhiana.

The expo, which saw 48 component manufacturers display their products, was held with a view to create a deeply localised, resilient and robust supply chain for the tractor and farming implements industry in India. High-level executives from OEMs such as International Tractors (Sonalika), Mahindra & Mahindra – Swaraj Division, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. – Farm Division, Preet Tractors, and Punjab State Agriculture Implements Manufacturers Association visited the show.

Sunjay Kapur, President, ACMA and Chairman, Sona Comstar, said: “The expo's primary objective was to bring together the stakeholders in the tractor and farm implements sector to facilitate the creation of a strong, localised and robust supply chain. Today, like never before, there is a need to invest in new technologies in the components sector for the industry to continue to export as India aims to become a global manufacturing hub. The components sector needs to take advantage of ACMA's centres of excellence and cluster programs to upgrade and stay competitive.”

In his address, Kapur lauded the government's initiatives to promote localisation, reduce imports, enhance exports, and help the industry in mitigating supply chain risks. He also highlighted ACMA's commitment to supporting OEMs in meeting their localisation targets.

Speaking on the potential for the components sector in engaging with the tractor and agri-machinery sector, Vinnie Mehta, Director General, ACMA said: “India is already a global leader when it comes to tractor manufacturing, that apart there is immense potential for growth in the farm-machinery sector. Currently, the mechanisation of farms in India is very low, however, with a growing population, mechanisation of farms is imperative as farm production will need to be significantly enhanced. The tractor and the auto components industry need to work in close collaboration and take advantage of several government schemes to harness this opportunity.”