CSIR developed new small range tractor-Krishi Shakti

CSIR developed Krishi Shakti - a small range (11.2 hp) diesel engine tractor designed and developed by CSIR-Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute, Durgapur, one of the constituent laboratories of CSIR was launched today by Hon’ble Minister, Science and Technology and Earth Sciences and VP, CSIR, Dr. Harsh Vardhan. He handed over five tractors to the farmers. The KrishShakti would benefit Indian farmers possessing small land holdings.

Dr. Harsh Vardhan, while launching the KrishiShakti said that “the development has bridged a long felt technology gap. There is an urgent need to develop state-of-the art technology of agriculture implements. The implements need to be suiting Indian agro climates and should be energy efficient. These agriculture implements should remove farmer’s drudgery”. Dr. Harsh Vardhan appreciated CSIR efforts contributing for ‘Make in India’ mission of Hon’ble Prime Minister.

The KrishiShakti has received CMVR Certification as an Agricultural Wheeled Tractor after rigorous trials and testing. The Technology of KrishiShakti was transferred to M/s Singha Components Pvt. Ltd., Howrah, West Bengal, who have started manufacturing.

In India, about 85 percent households cultivate about 36 per cent of entire cultivable land. The average land holding of the small Indian farmer normally does not exceed even 1 hectare. It is therefore quite difficult for the average Indian farmer to afford mechanized farming utilizing standard tractors of 35 hp and above ratings, which in turn tells upon the productivity and per unit yield. As a result, there has been tremendous demand for developing small, compact tractors of rating in the range of 10-12 hp, which are deemed fittest for small and fragmented land holdings.

CSIR’s KrishiShakti, a small tractor, is an apt CSIR response to this necessity enabling farm mechanization in an affordable manner. Furthermore, this small tractor and its matching implements are based on available diesel engine and available tractor parts in the market.

Source: CSIR