Mahindra-Group-owned Swaraj Tractors today launched its new range of 40-50hp tractors, aimed at increasing the agricultural mechanisation in the country to increase the per-hectare yield. The new tractor portfolio is priced in the range of Rs 6.9 lakh for 42hp base model, to Rs 9.95 lakh, for the top-end 50hp variant.
The company, which has invested around Rs 400 crore in the new range, says the new tractors in the 40-50hp category offer a mix of power, reliability and aesthetics, to perform optimally across a range of geography and terrains. The new Swaraj models are designed to handle heavy and modern implements with ease, and meet the demands of modern-day agricultural processes to deliver increased productivity.
Swaraj Tractors is offering a segment-best six-year or 6,000km standard warranty on the newly-launched tractors, which will offer a 6-speed PTO, 4WD across the range, and modern features such as digital cluster, LED headlamps, and day-time running lamps (DRLs). The tractors will also offer 8-10 percent improved fuel efficiency than the company’s existing range of products.
According to Hemant Sikka, President, Farm Equipment Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra, “India lacks behind other countries such as China in terms of the yield per hectare of our farms. Therefore, there is significant scope to mechanise our farming to increase their yield. With the new range of tractors from Swaraj, our aim is to get more crop per drop and more yield per acre, and reduce drudgery.”
“Of the total 70 lakh global tractor sales annually, India accounts for almost 9.44 lakh tractors every year, making it one of the largest markets for tractors globally. The Indian market has registered a CAGR of 6.5 percent, and while there may be some ups and downs, the industry is poised to grow at a strong pace going forward,” Sikka added.
While the company will export the tractors to markets such as South East Asia and Africa, Swaraj Tractors says it will be ready and come with an all-electric tractor to the market when the need from the farmers arises. The company maintains a low single-digit growth outlook for FY24.
“Despite August 2023 being one of the driest month in the history of the country, the tractor segment has still registered growth. We see no concern on the Kharif crop, and even if we get 15-20 days of more rainfall, the industry is in good stead for the current financial year,” he said. Sikka further cautioned that with slowdown in global markets such as the US (-17% in FY23) and Europe, tractor exports from India continue to be on a decline.
According to Harish Chavan, CEO, Swaraj Division, Mahindra & Mahindra, “With this new tractor range for the mass-market segment, we are steering the Swaraj brand into the furure by focusing on the mechanisation needs of the market. The Swaraj brand is positioned as high power tractors, which are used for cereal, paddy, crop farming, and haulage.”