Electric-Tractor Manufacturing and Adoption in India

India, the world’s largest tractor market, sold over 10 lakh units tractors in 2022, accounting for 45% of global tractor production. While tractors are indispensable for modern farming, their heavy reliance on diesel contributes significantly to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with agriculture and transportation responsible for 14 and 8.36% to India’s national GHG emissions respectively. Electrification of tractors presents a transformative opportunity to reduce emissions, lower operational costs, and enhance energy independence while solidifying India’s position as a global leader in sustainable farm mechanization.

On August 6, 2024, WRI India convened the “EV Revolution: Accelerating E-Tractor Manufacturing and Adoption” roundtable in New Delhi. This gathering brought together decisionmakers, industry leaders, financial institutions, knowledge partners, and farmers to address key adoption barriers and chart a pathway for India’s e-tractor transition, particularly in Uttar Pradesh. Uttar Pradesh already leads India's tractor sales and is well-placed to become a hub for e-tractor manufacturing in India.

The roundtable focused on market readiness, technological advancements, policy support, and integration with renewable energy through initiatives. Participants also explored the economic and environmental benefits of e-tractors, emphasizing the need for pilot projects to compare performance and identify scalable solutions. The proceedings aim to reinforce India’s unique potential to lead the global e-tractor revolution, combining innovation, policy advocacy, and collaboration to drive a sustainable farming future.

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