The Transport Department of the state of Chhattisgarh has launched a pilot programme introducing electric tractors at Swami Vivekanand College, IGKV, Raipur. The project aims to empower women farmers and promote inclusive, sustainable agriculture across the state. The programme, running from October 6 to 10, is testing the suitability of women-friendly electric tractors under real farm conditions.
The pilot project will evaluate the performance of the PRIMA ET 11 electric tractor – indigenously developed by CSIR-CMERI (Council of Scientific & Industrial Research-Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute), Durgapur – for both farming and haulage applications. The initiative aims to support sustainable agriculture, promote electric mobility in farming, and foster ‘Mahila Sashaktikaran (women empowerment) by encouraging greater participation of women in environmentally conscious agricultural practices.
PRIMA ET 11’s Technical Specifications
The PRIMA ET 11 has been designed for women’s comfort, featuring low vibration, ergonomic (adjustable) controls, and minimal noise, allowing comfortable operation even in traditional attire.
The electric tractor is engineered to ensure long-term affordability with low operating and maintenance costs, no fuel dependency, and compatibility with solar charging systems. It can be fully charged at home in about seven to eight hours, providing a field runtime of over four hours or up to six hours for haulage operations, with a towing capacity of 1.5 tonnes and a maximum speed of 22 kmph.
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Avinash Kumar Yadav, Principal Scientist at the CSIR-CMERI, according to The Times of India, has confirmed that a study is being conducted under a technical assistance programme for the transport department. Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation serves as the knowledge partner, with CSIR-CMERI as the technology partner. According to Yadav, the pilot will guide the large-scale adoption of electric tractors, supporting India’s vision of sustainable, green, and gender-inclusive agriculture.
Positive Feedback for PRIMA ET 11 Electric Tractor
An initial test drive by PhD scholar Shalini Garudik found the tractor smooth, effortless, and suitable for horticulture and vegetable farming, though not ideal for heavy mudding. She emphasized its women-friendly design. Sayali Agade, a senior associate, added that even women in sarees can drive it comfortably, describing it as stable and easy to handle.
Professor R.K. Naik, Head of the Department of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering at IGKV, was quoted as saying by The Times of India, that he will closely monitor the performance of the electric tractor for the remainder of the pilot programme. He cautioned that it is premature to assume the tractor is fully suited for Chhattisgarh’s diverse agricultural conditions but added that women who drove it during the launch expressed satisfaction with its design compatibility.
Women-Centric Mechanisation Initiatives in India
Chhattisgarh’s pilot reflects a broader national trend of women-centered mechanization initiatives. For instance, in Mandya, Karnataka, the Zilla Panchayat conducted a demonstration to promote mechanized paddy planting among women farmers. The initiative sought to build women’s confidence and encourage adoption of modern practices, training SHG members to prepare single-eye sugarcane and machine-compatible paddy seedlings. Officials emphasized that mechanization helps overcome labor shortages, reduce costs, and improve efficiency.
