Lucknow – In a significant step towards sustainable agriculture, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research–Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CSIR-CIMAP) hosted a live demonstration of electric tractor and electric tiller technologies developed by CSIR–Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CMERI), Durgapur.
The demonstration, held at the CIMAP campus in Lucknow, aimed to showcase environment-friendly and cost-effective mechanization solutions for Indian farmers. The event was inaugurated by Dinesh Pratap Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge), along with Dr. Prabodh Kumar Trivedi, Director of CSIR-CIMAP, through a ceremonial lighting of the lamp.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Trivedi emphasized the importance of e-tractors and e-tillers as vital technologies for the farmers of Uttar Pradesh. He lauded CMERI’s innovation for contributing to low-emission, green technologies, pushing the country towards cleaner and more sustainable agriculture.
Dr. Trivedi highlighted CIMAP’s ongoing work in developing high-quality crop varieties, which have directly benefited farmers. He noted that India currently exports over 80% of menthol mint, with Uttar Pradesh playing a crucial role in the sector. He urged farmers to adopt these new technologies to help India become a global leader in agricultural innovation.
Avinash Kumar Yadav, Principal Scientist at CSIR-CMERI, Durgapur, presented the key features of the electric tractor and tiller. He explained their advantages, including zero emissions, low operational cost, and suitability for a wide range of agricultural tasks. These electric machines are tailored to meet the evolving needs of modern, small-scale farmers.
Ashwini Kumar Kushwaha, Chief Scientist at CSIR-CMERI’s Ludhiana Centre, expressed gratitude to CIMAP for hosting the event. He elaborated on CMERI’s journey in agricultural mechanization and stressed the importance of firsthand farmer feedback to improve these machines. He said the primary aim of the program was to give farmers from various states direct exposure to the machines and understand their effectiveness in the field.
Chief Guest Dinesh Pratap Singh commended the CSIR-CIMAP team for organizing the demonstration and for their continuous efforts in making advanced and sustainable technologies accessible to the farming community. He noted that as land holdings shrink, the need for compact and efficient tools is rising. He also thanked the farmers for their participation, calling agriculture the backbone of the nation, and said that adoption of new technology is the need of the hour.
Guest of Honour Sudha Reddy, Managing Director of K.N. Bio-Science, Telangana, appreciated CSIR-CMERI for its efforts in technology transfer and outreach through roadshows. She praised the compact design of the e-tractor and e-tiller, calling them ideal solutions for small landholders.
The event concluded with Dr. Trivedi presenting a memento of appreciation to the chief guest. The institute remained open throughout the day for farmers, researchers, and guests. Scientists, entrepreneurs, and research scholars from across the country were present at the event, marking it as a significant milestone in India’s journey towards green and inclusive agriculture.
