E-Vehicles for Agriculture to Benefit Farmers – Environment Minister Pankaja Munde

Electric Tractors, Power Tillers, and Cutters Included in Maharashtra’s EV Policy

Mumbai – The Maharashtra government has made a significant amendment to its Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy by including electric tractors, power tillers, and cutters for farmers in rural areas. This decision aims to facilitate the adoption of eco-friendly farm equipment, making it easier for farmers to use electric vehicles in agricultural activities. The initiative has been spearheaded by Environment and Climate Change Minister Pankaja Munde.

The Maharashtra EV Policy was originally introduced to promote electric vehicles and reduce environmental pollution. However, it did not initially cover agricultural electric vehicles such as tractors, tillers, and cutters. Recognizing their importance, Minister Pankaja Munde took the initiative to include them in the policy, and a government notification has been issued regarding this decision.

Benefits for Farmers

The use of electric vehicles in agriculture will offer multiple benefits:

• Reduced fuel costs: Farmers will save on diesel and petrol expenses.
• Lower environmental impact: The shift to electric vehicles will help reduce air pollution.
• Lower maintenance costs: Electric farm vehicles require less maintenance and offer longer operational hours.

Under the Maharashtra EV Policy, financial subsidies and incentives will be provided to those purchasing battery-operated vehicles. With this amendment, farmers will now be eligible for financial support when buying electric tractors, power tillers, and cutters. The state government has officially issued a Government Resolution (GR) to implement this policy.

This initiative will not only benefit farmers but also contribute to environmental sustainability. By reducing pollution, the adoption of electric farm equipment will help improve air quality. Additionally, it will encourage rural communities to embrace eco-friendly technology, paving the way for sustainable agricultural practices in Maharashtra. Minister Pankaja Munde emphasized that this policy will make modern, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly tools more accessible to farmers across the state.