Centre Simplifies Tractor Testing Guidelines: A Boost for Agriculture
In a significant move to facilitate the ease of doing business and foster trust-based governance in the agricultural sector, the Indian Government has streamlined the process of testing tractors for performance evaluation. This landmark decision, announced on August 28, 2023, holds immense promise for tractor manufacturers and the agricultural community at large.
Simplifying the Subsidy Scheme
One of the key aspects of this simplification revolves around the subsidy scheme. Tractor manufacturers can now participate in this scheme based on specific criteria:
- CMVR/COP Certificates: Tractor manufacturers are eligible for the subsidy scheme if they possess CMVR (Central Motor Vehicles Rules) or Conformity of Production (COP) certificates.
- Self-Declaration: Manufacturers must provide a self-declaration affirming that the proposed tractor for inclusion under the subsidy adheres to the benchmark specifications stipulated by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare.
- Timely Test Submission: Simultaneously, manufacturers must confirm that the tractor model has been submitted for tests, and the test report must be submitted to the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare within six months.
- Minimum Warranty: Manufacturers are required to offer a minimum of three years of warranty on tractors supplied under the subsidy.
Mandatory Tests
The simplified guidelines outline the process for four mandatory tests:
1. Drawbar Performance Test
The drawbar performance test can be conducted at Central Farm Machinery Training and Testing Institute (CFMTTI) Budni or Mahindra Research Valley (MRV), Chennai. Alternatively, manufacturers can choose to conduct this test at other government-authorized institutes or their own facilities, provided they have the necessary infrastructure.
2. PTO Performance and Hydraulic Performance Test
Manufacturers have the option to conduct these tests at their own facilities. The test data must be provided to CFMTTI Budni or the chosen government-authorized institution. A self-certification that the test was carried out according to applicable BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) Codes is required.
3. Brake Performance
The brake performance test must adhere to the requirements under CMVR. Tests already conducted under CMVR at authorized institutions need not be repeated at CFMTTI Budni or other government-authorized institutes. The existing data shall be incorporated into the test reports.
These streamlined procedures aim to promote transparency, reduce redundancy, and encourage tractor manufacturers to adhere to the highest standards. The Indian Government’s commitment to simplifying processes and promoting trust-based governance in the agricultural sector is evident in these significant changes.
For more detailed information and comprehensive guidelines, please refer to the official document here.
The agricultural sector in India can now look forward to a more efficient and streamlined process for tractor testing, thanks to these simplified guidelines.
