CSIR Unveils India's First Compact Electric Tractor for Small-Scale Farmers

CSIR Prima ET11 Electric tractor is powered by an electric motor and an advanced battery system, ensuring zero emissions and low operational costs.

CSIR CMERI has a long history of inventing and developing tractors of various sizes and horsepower. To fulfil the needs of small and marginal farmers, the first indigenous Swaraj Tractor was developed in 1965, followed by the 35hp Sonalika tractor in 2000 and the 12hp Krishi Shakti small diesel tractor in 2009. Building this legacy, CMERI launched a new CSIR Prima ET11 Electric Tractor.

Features of CSIR Prima ET11 Electric Tractor

The CSIR Prima ET11 Electric tractor was developed and built using original components and technologies. The main aim of making this tractor is to meet the demand of small farmers, and it has been built with elements such as how it moves, where the weight is distributed, how it switches gears, and the positions of the levers and pedals in mind.

Another advantage of this tractor is that it is suitable for women. Controls have been rearranged to make them more accessible to women, and mechanical components have been replaced with electronic switches to simplify operation. The technology used in this tractor is user-friendly, with special care given to the convenience and ease of use.

The CSIR PRIMA ET11 is specially designed to be compact and lightweight, making it highly manoeuvrable and easy to operate in smaller fields. It is an all-electric tractor, powered by an electric motor and an advanced battery system, ensuring zero emissions and low operational costs.

This electric tractor is not only efficient but also eco-friendly, reducing the carbon footprint associated with old diesel-powered tractors. Electric tractors are known for their low maintenance requirements, which can be beneficial for small farmers.

With the rising fuel costs, the CSIR PRIMA ET11 offers a cost-effective alternative, reducing the operational expenses for farmers. The tractor has a V2L (vehicle to load) port, which means that while the tractor is not in use, the battery power may be used for other secondary uses such as pumping and irrigation.

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Specifications of CSIR Prima ET11 Electric Tractor

| Specifications | CSIR-PRIMA ET11 Tractor |
|----------------------------|-----------------------------|| Charging Time | 7-8 hours for home charging |
| Operating Time | More than 4 hours in the field; Over 6 hours for normal haulage operations|
| Transmission Type | Semi-Synchronized gearing system |

The introduction of the CSIR PRIMA ET11 electric tractor marks a significant step towards the electrification of the agricultural industry, contributing to the Government of India's vision of achieving cleaner and more sustainable agriculture. This innovation is expected to have a strong impact on the lifestyle of small and marginal farmers across the country. It offers them a modern and eco-friendly solution to enhance their agricultural practices.

The launch of India's first compact electric tractor, the CSIR PRIMA ET11, demonstrates the dedication of Indian scientists and engineers. This achievement not only highlights the importance of sustainable agriculture but also paves the way for a greener and more prosperous future for small and marginal farmers in India.