CSIR-CMERI Unveils Revolutionary CSIR PRIMA ET11: A Game-Changer in Sustainable Agriculture

Agriculture in India sustains nearly 55% of the population, feeding a staggering 1.3 billion people and contributing significantly to the country’s GDP. Tractors are the backbone of increasing agricultural productivity through mechanization, and the Indian tractor industry has evolved tremendously in terms of production capacity and technology over the last few decades.

CSIR-CMERI Unveils Revolutionary CSIR PRIMA ET11: A Game-Changer in Sustainable Agriculture

Enter CSIR-CMERI, a pioneer in tractor design and development, with a rich history that began with the indigenous SWARAJ Tractor in 1965, followed by the 35hp Sonalika tractor in 2000 and the small yet powerful 12hp Krishishakti in 2009, designed to meet the demands of small and marginal farmers. Their journey led them to embrace advanced technology, resulting in the development of the revolutionary e-tractor, CSIR PRIMA ET11.

Traditionally, tractors in India have run on diesel, contributing significantly to environmental pollution. They consume approximately 7.4% of the country’s annual diesel usage and account for 60% of total agricultural fuel consumption. What’s more concerning is that their PM2.5 and NOx emissions are projected to increase four to fivefold in the next two decades. With a global focus on reducing carbon footprints, India pledged to work towards lowering projected carbon emissions by one billion tonnes by 2030 and achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070 at the COP26 summit in Glasgow in 2021. Electrifying tractors is a crucial step in helping India meet these ambitious targets.

While electrification is hailed as a solution, most commercial electric tractors are high-power machines suitable only for large-scale farming. This poses a challenge for Indian marginal farmers, who typically own around 2 hectares of farmland or less, constituting more than 80% of the farming community. Recognizing this challenge, CSIR-CMERI has introduced the CSIR PRIMA ET11, a compact 100% Pure Electric Tractor designed primarily for India’s small and marginal farmers.

Let’s delve into the key features and benefits of the groundbreaking CSIR PRIMA ET11:

1. Indigenous Excellence: The entire tractor has been meticulously crafted using indigenous components and technologies, emphasizing self-reliance.
2. Farm-Ready Design: Designed with agriculture in mind, this tractor’s dynamics, weight distribution, transmission engagements, lever and pedal positions, and other aspects have been thoughtfully considered.
3. Women-Friendly: Special attention has been given to ergonomics, making it women-friendly. Levers, switches, and controls are strategically placed for easy access and operation, with many mechanical systems replaced by electronic switches for effortless use.
4. Efficient Charging: Farmers can conveniently charge the tractor using a standard home charging socket in just 7 to 8 hours, providing over 4 hours of field operation. Alternatively, the tractor can run for more than 6 hours in normal hauling operations. This aligns with the typical Indian farming practice, where farmers often take a break around noon, allowing them to recharge the tractor for afternoon work.
5. Robust Transmission: The tractor boasts a robust and efficient transmission system with semi-synchronized gearing, ensuring desired efficiency at minimal cost.
6. Hydraulic Power: Equipped with top-notch hydraulics capable of lifting 500 kg or more, the tractor can handle various implements required for both field and hauling operations. Notably, it can tow a 1.8-ton capacity trolley at speeds of up to 25 kmph.
7. Built to Last: The tractor’s robust design, along with necessary covers and guards, shields it from mud and water, ensuring durability even in challenging conditions.
8. Cutting-Edge Battery: It features state-of-the-art lithium-ion batteries with prismatic cell technology, offering deep discharge capability for farming applications and a lifespan of more than 3000 cycles.
9. Tailored Electronics: The controller and instrument cluster have been customized to suit agricultural needs, ensuring user-friendliness and efficiency.
10. Versatility with V2L: A standout feature is the Vehicle to Load (V2L) port. This means that when the tractor is not in operation, its battery power can be harnessed for secondary applications like pumps and irrigation.

This groundbreaking electric tractor, CSIR PRIMA ET11, was launched by Union Minister for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, during our “One Week One Lab” curtain-raiser ceremony in New Delhi. The technology has also been licensed to K N Bioscience, a Hyderabad-based company known for its Kushal Tractor brand and bioscience-related innovations, with the aim of bringing this innovation to the masses through mass production.

The CSIR PRIMA ET11 is poised to usher in a new era of sustainable agriculture, addressing the needs of small and marginal farmers in India. This development aligns perfectly with India’s vision of “Make for the World,” positioning the country as a global leader in the tractor industry while contributing to a more sustainable and eco-friendly future for farming.