Tractors Gain Traction In Punjab: In The Aftermath Of Ban On Stubble Burning, Spike In Sales Of High-Power Machines 

The sale of high horse power tractors has increased manifold in Punjab and Haryana, since the National Green Tribunal (NGT) enforced the ban on stubble burning, The New Indian Express has reported.

As per the report, 25,000 to 30,000 new high horse power tractors are being sold in Punjab every year in addition to another 15,000 to 20,000 such units which are usually sold in the state.

The ban on stubble burning, which is cited as the reason for rising pollution levels and dipping air quality in Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR), led to an upward trend in the purchase of high horse power tractors in Punjab with 60 per cent of units purchased being 50 horse power or more. A similar trend was witnessed in Haryana where 20 per cent of purchased tractors are of more than 50 horse power.

The national average at eight per cent is much less than the percentage of high-powered tractors in Punjab.

Punjab’s economy is largely driven by agricultural output and so the state has more than 5.20 lakh tractors of all categories.

“Tractors above 50 horse power are more in demand these days. As much as 60 per cent of tractors sold are of 50 horse power and another 10 to 15 per cent are between 60 and 70 horse power,” the report quoted Neelam Kant, deputy general manager, International Tractors Limited (Sonalika Group) as saying.