As the government looks to tighten emission standards for agricultural machinery, tractor manufacturers are seeking a slower transition to the stringent norm for lower horsepower models.
While TREM V norms could be rolled out next year, industry leaders have urged the government to delay the implementation of these emission standards for 25–50 horsepower (HP) tractors until 2028, citing increased production costs, technical hurdles, and limited preparedness among farmers.
The proposed TREM-V standards aim to significantly cut particulate and nitrogen oxide emissions. While tractors above 50 HP already comply with the existing TREM-IV norms, smaller tractors, which account for the majority of India’s tractor sales, still operate under the older TREM-IIIA standards.
Rajesh Jejurikar, Executive Director and CEO of the Auto and Farm Sector at Mahindra & Mahindra, said the Tractor and Mechanization Association (TMA) has recommended that the implementation of TREM-V norms for 25–50 HP tractors be pushed to 2028, while discussions continue for tractors below 25 HP.
“For the 25 to 50 horsepower, the TMA is proposing a postponement to 2028, and for less than 25 HP also there is a discussion on what will be the implementation date,” Jejurikar said. “The solutions that are being proposed right now, we believe, will not be very high in cost. So that’s the discussion that’s on right now between the Tractor and Mechanization Association and the industry.”
Industry executives say the main challenge lies in balancing cleaner technologies with the affordability and serviceability needs of small and marginal farmers who form the backbone of India’s agriculture sector. Advanced emission systems, they warn, could push up prices and make routine servicing more complex in rural areas.
Bharat Madan, Whole-Time Director and Group CFO at Escorts Kubota Ltd, said the government has yet to issue an official notification for the TREM-V rollout.
“Right now, the government has not come out with a notification of this change. From the industry perspective, we have already given a recommendation to the government to launch the new emission norms,” Madan said. “Our (TMA’s) recommendation to the government is that by 2028, it should not happen. But the government has to look at the ordinary fuel options, which can be incorporated in the tractor.”
Madan cautioned that an early shift could make tractors unaffordable for farmers and harder to maintain. “If you go to the higher emission norms, the cost for the farmer will go up significantly. The servicing of those tractors becomes very difficult because the local mechanics can’t service those tractors,” he added.
The TREM-V upgrade would require the integration of after-treatment systems and engine redesigns, adding significant production costs. For smaller tractors used widely in India’s fragmented farm landscape, this could create pricing and maintenance challenges.