Cost Effectiveness Of E-Tractors Will Revolutionise Farmers' Lives: Maharashtra Minister Pratap Sarnaik

The advent of electric tractors will 'revolutionise the lives of farmers' due its cost effectiveness and usher in a new era in the country's agriculture sector, Maharashtra transport minister Pratap Sarnaik said on Sunday.

Speaking at a function where the first e-tractor was registered at Thane Regional Transport Office (RTO), he also said buyers would get a subsidy of Rs 1.5 lakh under Maharashtra State Electric Vehicle Policy 2025 apart from interest-free loans through state-run Annasaheb Patil Economic Development Corporation.

'The operational cost comes down by 60-70% due to use of electricity instead of diesel. For instance, it takes Rs 1200-1500 to plough one acre with diesel tractors, whereas this comes down to Rs 300 with an e-tractor. It will revolutionise the lives of farmers and usher in a new era in the country's agriculture sector,' Sarnaik asserted.

'The Maharashtra government's vision is to ensure 20-30% of all vehicles on the roads by 2030 are electric. They promise long-term financial and environmental sustainability,' he added.

The e-tractor registered at Thane RTO during the day is manufactured by Autonxt Automation, a renewable energy technology firm.