Indian Agriculture: CSIR’s e-Tractor and e-Tiller bring a sustainable revolution in Indian agriculture
The e-Tractor (CSIR PRIMA ET11) and e-Power Tiller were developed by a dedicated team at CSIR-Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CMERI), Durgapur, West Bengal. The team was led by Prof. (Dr.) Harish Hirani, Director, CSIR-CMERI.
Indian agriculture is now undergoing a change. Rising diesel prices, environmental concerns and the need for durable machines have prompted farmers to adopt electric equipment. To solve this problem, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has developed two new machines—e-Tiller and PRIMA ET11 e-Tractor.
On National Science Day 2025, these machines were sent for testing across the country, ushering in a new era of sustainable farming. But how do these machines work and why are they important for farmers? Let’s understand their science, technology and farmer-friendly features.
The team that built the machines
The e-tractor (CSIR PRIMA ET11) and e-Power Tiller were developed by a dedicated team at CSIR-Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CMERI), Durgapur, West Bengal. The team was led by Prof. (Dr.) Harish Hirani, Director, CSIR-CMERI.
Although the names of the individual contributors are not available, the CSIR-CMERI team includes experts from fields such as robotics, mechatronics, embedded systems and precision agriculture. Their combined efforts have produced these electric agricultural machines that will help increase the productivity and sustainability of small and marginal farmers.
CSIR e-Power Tiller: Future technology for small farmers
The scientific innovation behind the e-tiller
The CSIR e-Power Tiller is an electric tiller designed for small and marginal farmers. It operates on an electric drive system, making it more efficient and sustainable as compared to traditional petrol or diesel engine tillers.
Key Scientific Features
1. High-efficiency electric motor – It uses a brushless DC motor (BLDC), which gives instant power and reduces energy wastage. This enables better control and more efficient tillage.
2. Less vibration and noise – Traditional petrol tillers cause vibration, which can cause hand pain and fatigue to the operator. Electric tillers do not have this problem, making it easy and comfortable to operate.
3. Smart Battery Management System (BMS) – It has a lithium-ion battery, which makes charging efficient and lasts longer.
4. Swappable battery technology – Farmers can easily replace the battery, eliminating the need to take long charging breaks.
5. Environment friendly – ​​It emits zero emissions, making it suitable for organic farming and sustainable agriculture.
Farmer friendly features
1. Low cost operation – E-tiller saves up to 85% in fuel cost as compared to petrol tiller.
2. Multi-use function – Can be used with iron wheel, cultivator, ridger and rotavator. Also, useful for running 2-inch water pump.
3. High load lifting capacity – 500 kg trolley attachment can be attached to it, making it useful for tilling as well as crop transportation.
4.Multiple charging options – It can be charged from a normal AC outlet or solar DC power, making it useful even in villages where power supply is erratic.
5.Easy operation for all – Its light weight and ergonomic design makes it easy and convenient even for women and elderly farmers.
CSIR PRIMA ET11 E-Tractor: The Future of Agriculture
Scientific Advances in E-Tractors
The PRIMA ET11 e-Tractor is a compact electric tractor designed for small farmers and rural transportation. It is made of indigenous technology and has many advanced scientific features.
Key Scientific Features
1.Lithium-ion battery (with prismatic cell configuration) – It provides deep discharge capability and lasts for more than 3,000 charge cycles, making it reliable for a long period of time.
2. Energy Efficient Power Transmission – It has a semi-synchronized gearbox, which reduces energy loss. In conventional tractors, energy is dissipated as heat, but the e-tractor transfers torque directly to the wheels, increasing its efficiency.
3. Regenerative Braking System – Stores the energy generated while braking back into the battery, allowing the tractor to run longer.
4. Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) Feature – The tractor battery can be used to run irrigation pumps, lights or other agricultural equipment when the tractor is not in use.
5. High Torque Output – It gives more starting torque than diesel tractors, allowing even hard soils to be plowed easily.
Farmer Friendly Benefits
1.Low operating cost – Diesel tractor costs ₹200-₹300 per hour, while the power cost of e-tractor is only ₹30-₹50 per hour.Â
2.Long Operation Time – Can perform 4+ hours of ploughing and 6+ hours of load carrying on a single charge.
3.Women Friendly Design – It has easy controls and electronic switches, making it less strenuous and more convenient to operate.
4.Fast Charging – Can be fully charged in 7-8 hours from a normal socket, and even faster from a high-speed charging station.
5.High Towing Capacity – Can pull a load of up to 1.8 tonnes and can run at speeds of up to 25 km/hr, making it useful for crop transportation.
6.Robustness and Longevity – Its battery and motor system require minimal maintenance, while the diesel engine requires frequent oil changes and servicing.
How do these machines empower Indian farmers?
1. Economic benefits
1. Huge savings in diesel-petrol costs – Electric machines can help farmers reduce their fuel dependency.
2. Government subsidies and incentives – Government assistance on electric farm equipment can make these machines more affordable.
3. Low maintenance costs – Fewer moving parts and no frequent oil changes compared to diesel tractors and tillers.
4. Long battery life (3000+ charge cycles) – Reduces the cost of frequent battery replacement.
5. Additional income opportunity – Through the Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) feature, farmers can rent out tractor power for irrigation or other purposes in nearby fields.
2. Environmental sustainability
1. Zero pollution – Machines that operate without smoke will help maintain clean air in villages.
2. Soil and water protection – There is no problem of oil leakage or fuel spillage, which does not pollute water and soil.
3.Less noise – Less noise pollution as compared to traditional tractors, which does not cause stress to animals and rural people.
4.Solar charging – Solar charging facility will make farmers self-reliant in rural areas facing power crisis.
5.Fight against climate change – Will contribute to India’s net-zero emissions target.
3. Future technology
1.Better battery technology – Lithium-ion and new sodium-ion batteries will further increase charging speed and efficiency.
2.AI and IoT integration – Features like battery health monitoring, predictive maintenance and automatic alerts will be possible.
3.Smart farming technology – Connecting with GPS and automation will help in precision farming.
4.Possibility of modular upgrade – In future, there will be an option to work longer with interchangeable batteries.
5. Opportunity to sell electricity – Farmers can turn tractors into small-scale energy businesses by selling excess electricity to the grid.
4. Ease of operation and safety
1. Friendly for women and elderly farmers – Lightweight and ergonomic design.
2. Less vibration, less fatigue – Less vibration than diesel tractors, allowing for comfortable working for long hours.
3. No engine overheating – Allows for long hours of work without stopping.
4. Easy starting system – Push-button start, no need to pull traditional heavy levers.
5. Less mechanical breakdowns – No complex fuel-based parts, such as carburetor, clutch, gear shaft.
5. Rural employment and skill development
1. Local manufacturing and repair opportunities – New jobs will be created in rural areas.
2. Training programs for farmers – Training on electric vehicle technology will open up new career opportunities in agricultural mechanics.
3.Attractive agriculture for the younger generation – Adoption of smart farming techniques will attract youth interest in agribusiness.
Marketing Strategy
On the occasion of National Science Day 2025, CSIR started demonstration of e-Tractors and e-Tillers across India from Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The initiative aims to make farmers aware of the capabilities of these electric machines and promote low-cost, eco-friendly agriculture.
Promotion and Awareness Campaign
1.CSIR-CMERI prominently showcased e-Tractors and e-Tillers at national events like India Energy Week 2025.
2.Discussions were held with policymakers, industry leaders and farmers to promote large-scale adoption of these machines and possible collaborations.
Availability and procurement process for farmers
1. The technology of e-Power Tiller is being transferred to manufacturing partners, which will soon start its commercialization.
2. Farmers will be able to purchase e-tiller through authorized agricultural machinery dealers as soon as its mass production starts.
3. Similar commercialization efforts are also underway for e-Tractor (PRIMA ET11) to make it accessible to small and marginal farmers.
Financial assistance and training for farmers
1. Government subsidy and financial assistance – CSIR is working with various government agencies and financial institutions to provide financial assistance and grants to farmers.
2. Training programs – Training and workshops are being organized to make it easier for farmers to adopt new technology.
3. For more information – Farmers can contact local agriculture offices or visit the official website of CSIR-CMERI.
Why should farmers adopt these machines?Â
1.Low cost, high profit – Operating cost is up to 85% less compared to diesel tractors.
2.Environment friendly – ​​Zero pollution and low noise, keeping the farm and village environment clean.
3.High productivity – Better torque, higher efficiency and less fatigue allows longer working hours.
4.Friendly for women and elderly farmers – Light weight and easy operation makes it convenient for all.
A revolutionary step for future Indian agriculture
India is moving towards green energy solutions, and electric agricultural machines are part of this transformation. Machines like e-tractors and e-tillers will make agriculture more profitable, efficient and sustainable.
If you are looking to invest in an affordable, eco-friendly and high-performance machinery, CSIR e-tractors and e-tillers are the future of Indian agriculture.
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