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Tractor manufacturers urge government to delay TREM-V emission norms for sub-50 HP tractors till 2028, citing high costs and maintenance challenges.
TREM-V norms may start next year.
Industry seeks 2028 deadline for 25–50 HP tractors.
Rising costs and service issues concern makers.
Farmers may face higher tractor prices.
Govt yet to issue the final notification.
Tractor manufacturers in India have requested the government to delay the implementation of the upcoming TREM-V emission norms for smaller tractors until 2028. They say that introducing these rules too soon will increase production costs and make tractors expensive for small farmers.
The Indian government plans to introduce stricter TREM-V emission standards for agricultural machinery next year to reduce pollution. However, industry leaders have urged authorities to delay these norms for 25–50 horsepower (HP) tractors until 2028, citing technical challenges and cost issues.
Tractors above 50 HP already meet the current TREM-IV standards, but smaller models, which make up most of India’s tractor sales, still follow the older TREM-IIIA norms. The proposed TREM-V norms aim to cut particulate matter and nitrogen oxide emissions, making engines cleaner but also more expensive to produce and maintain.
Rajesh Jejurikar, Executive Director and CEO of the Auto and Farm Sector at Mahindra & Mahindra, said the Tractor and Mechanization Association (TMA) has recommended a 2028 deadline for 25–50 HP tractors. Discussions are still ongoing 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 also a discussion on what will be the implementation date,” Jejurikar said. “The solutions being proposed right now will not be very high in cost, and that’s the current discussion between TMA and the industry.”
Industry experts believe that the main issue is cost and serviceability. Farmers in India, especially small and marginal ones, depend on affordable tractors and local mechanics for servicing. Adding advanced emission systems could increase tractor prices and make maintenance more complicated in rural areas.
Bharat Madan, Whole-Time Director and Group CFO of Escorts Kubota Ltd, who also chairs the finance committee at TMA, said that the association has already shared its recommendations with the government.
“Our recommendation is that TREM-V implementation should not happen before 2028. The government must also consider ordinary fuel options that can work efficiently with the new norms,” Madan said.
He also warned that moving to higher emission norms too quickly could make tractors unaffordable and difficult to repair.
“If you go to higher emission norms, the cost for farmers will rise significantly. Servicing will also become tough because local mechanics can’t handle these advanced systems,” he added.
The transition to TREM-V standards involves integrating after-treatment systems and redesigning engines, both of which would increase manufacturing expenses. For tractors under 50 HP, which are mostly used by small farmers across India, this could lead to higher retail prices and maintenance difficulties.
Industry leaders agree that while the shift toward cleaner energy is important, it must be done gradually to avoid burdening farmers. Extending the deadline to 2028 would give manufacturers more time to develop cost-effective technologies and ensure smooth adoption across rural India.
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Tractor makers are not opposing the TREM-V norms but are seeking more time to prepare affordable and farmer-friendly solutions. They believe a 2028 implementation target will help balance environmental goals with economic realities. The final decision now rests with the government, which is expected to consider the industry’s recommendations before announcing the rollout schedule for the new emission standards.