TMA Urges Government to Exclude 25–50 HP Tractors from TREM V Norms

Key Highlights

• TMA wants 25–50 HP tractors excluded from TREM V norms.

• These norms need costly engine and exhaust upgrades.

• Most Indian tractors fall in the 25–50 HP range.

• Govt likely to accept TMA’s recommendation soon.

• EKL to boost India sales with new tractor launches.

The Tractor and Mechanisation Association (TMA) has officially requested the government to exclude 25–50 HP tractors from the upcoming TREM V emission regulations. These emission rules, based on European standards, require significant upgrades in engine and exhaust systems, which could raise costs and complicate production.

Since a majority of tractors sold in India fall within the 25–50 HP category, TMA believes applying TREM V norms to this segment would not be practical or affordable for most manufacturers.

Current and Proposed Emission Norms for Tractors in India

• Above 50 HP Tractors: Currently follow TREM IV norms.

• Below 50 HP Tractors: Continue to operate under older TREM IIIA rules.

• TREM V Proposal: Targets stricter emission control and better fuel efficiency.

TMA’s key suggestion is to apply TREM V only to tractors below 25 HP and above 50 HP, leaving the 25–50 HP range unchanged. According to Bharat Madan, Whole Time Director and CFO of Escorts Kubota Ltd. (EKL) and chairman of TMA’s Finance Committee, this recommendation is under serious consideration by the government and is likely to be accepted in the coming months.

Why TMA’s Proposal Matters

In India, the tractor market is heavily skewed toward models under 50 HP, which small and medium-scale farmers widely use. Applying the stricter TREM V norms to this segment could lead to higher costs for both manufacturers and end-users.

In contrast, developed markets like Europe mostly demand tractors above 50 HP, which already meet higher emission standards. TMA argues that a one-size-fits-all emission rule may not suit both the Indian and global markets.

EKL’s Strategy: Focus on India and Global Growth

Escorts Kubota Limited (EKL), known for its Farmtrac, Powertrac, and Kubota tractor brands, is adjusting its growth strategy in line with these emission rule discussions.

Bharat Madan explained that EKL’s export strategy is power-range specific:

• Low HP Models: Targeted at developing countries with less stringent emission rules.

• High HP Models: Focused on developed markets like Europe, where compliance with stricter norms like TREM V is mandatory.

Despite a significant portion of EKL’s revenue coming from exports, the company plans to strengthen its domestic sales. New tractors tailored for the Indian market are expected to launch in the upcoming quarter, helping EKL improve its market share in India.

Also Read: Sonalika Records 53,772 Tractor Sales from April to July 2025

CMV360 Says

TMA’s recommendation to exclude 25–50 HP tractors from TREM V rules could offer much-needed relief to Indian tractor makers. It balances environmental goals with economic realities, especially for India’s large population of small farmers. With the government likely to accept this proposal, manufacturers like Escorts Kubota Ltd. are now aligning their production and sales strategies to grow both locally and internationally.