In a meeting with the Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Chauhan, AS Mittal,VC  and Raman Mittal, JMD, Sonalika  highlighted the farmers’ concerns  

Chandigarh, June 12 :

A.S. Mittal, Vice Chairman of Sonalika, International Tractors Ltd (ITL),   met with Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Mr Shivraj Chouhan, on Wednesday to express serious concerns regarding the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’ directive to introduce Euro-5 compliant tractors in India’s domestic market from April 2026.

Mr. Mittal strongly urged the Minister to reconsider the mandatory implementation of Euro-5 norms, highlighting that such regulations are unsuitable for small and marginal farmers, who form over 97% of India’s farming population and own less than 2 hectares of land. He emphasised that Euro-5 tractors rely heavily on electronic systems and sensors, unlike the more mechanically-oriented tractors currently used in India. In rural and remote areas, even basic mechanical services are difficult to access, making the maintenance of high-tech tractors nearly impossible for the average farmer to afford.

He pointed out the mismatch in scale and application, noting that while European farmers use tractors with 200–250 HP due to their vast landholdings, Indian farmers typically require tractors with less than 50 HP. Moreover, nations such as the U.S., Australia, Brazil, and Thailand have also expressed reservations about the suitability of Euro 5 norms in agricultural applications.

Mr.Mittal stressed the need for a balanced and India-specific solution—one that contributes to environmental protection while aligning with local farming practices, climatic conditions, soil types, and the affordability and serviceability needs of Indian farmers.

In response, Minister Shivraj Chouhan assured Mr. Mittal that he is deeply committed to the welfare of Indian farmers and would raise this issue with the relevant ministries for further discussion and resolution.