Indian Standard for Electric Agricultural Tractors: Transitioning to Clean Farm Mechanization
SDG 2: Zero Hunger | SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | SDG 13: Climate Action | SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) | Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution | Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare
On National Consumer Day 2025, Union Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi released IS 19262: 2025 ‘Electric Agricultural Tractors — Test Code’. Developed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), this standard provides uniform testing protocols for electric tractors to ensure their safety, reliability, and performance in the Indian agricultural ecosystem.
Key highlights of the new standard include:
Comprehensive Testing: The code covers PTO power, drawbar power, performance of belts and pulleys, vibration measurement, and component inspection.
Technical Synergy: It draws from existing standards for conventional tractors (IS 5994: 2022) and automotive EV standards, adapted specifically for farm applications.
Sustainable Benefits: Electric tractors eliminate farm-level tailpipe emissions, reduce noise pollution, and promise lower operating and maintenance costs compared to diesel variants.
Standardization Framework: The notification is voluntary but serves as a scientific basis for future conformity assessment schemes and consumer confidence.
What is drawbar power in tractor testing? It is a measure of the pulling power of a tractor, representing the force available at the drawbar to pull implements like plows or trailers across the field. In the context of IS 19262: 2025, standardized testing of drawbar power ensures that farmers can accurately compare the work capacity of electric tractors against traditional diesel models, facilitating an informed transition to cleaner technology.
Policy Relevance
The introduction of IS 19262: 2025 is a critical regulatory step in achieving India’s sustainable agricultural mechanization goals. By filling the policy vacuum for dedicated EV testing in the farm sector, the government is incentivizing manufacturers to innovate while protecting farmers from sub-standard equipment. This standard directly supports the National Critical Minerals Mission and the broader Net Zero 2070 vision by reducing the agricultural sector’s heavy reliance on imported diesel.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders: How will the voluntary adoption of IS 19262: 2025 influence the inclusion of electric tractors in central subsidy schemes like the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM)?
Follow the full news here: Indian Standard for Electric Agricultural Tractor