From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Feb13: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Friday launched India's first ever CNG tractor, which is expected to fulfil the goal of self-reliance in energy sector and moving towards clean energy.
The CNG tractor launch function was held in New Delhi to suit the convenience of Nitin Gadkari.
Karnataka-based MRN group owned by State’s Mines and Geology Minister Murugesh R Nirani is involved in production of such technology to the farmers.
The diesel tractor has been converted to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) tractor using the latest technology which is expected to save Rs 1 trillion on fuel and thereby greatly help the farmers and the agriculture sector.
Towards Clean Energy
The farmers can benefit by converting their diesel tractors into CNG tractors through this technology and thereby reducing the cost of fuel and also increasing the efficiency.
Converting diesel tractors into CNG tractor will also help controlling the pollution.
The farmers who currently spend over Rs 77 per litre of diesel can spend as less as Rs 42 per litre of CNG thus saving significant amount and also achieve greater efficiency as CNG tractors’ engine life is very good, pollution-free and they have more pulling capacity than diesel tractors.
The CNG engine has zero lead and non-corrosive, non-diluting and non-contaminating which helps in life of the engine and it requires less regular maintenance.
Experts maintain the technology is safer as CNG tanks come with a tight seal which reduces possibility of explosion while refuelling or in the event of a spill.
Savings of the farmers is earnings made by them. Farm and industrial waste can be being converted into a wealth through CNG. This creates a circular ecological economy.
MRN Group to Produce CNG Tractors
The Karnataka-based MRN group owned by Mines and Geology minister Murugesh R Nirani, which is involved in sugar production and other agro-based business has signed a pact with Rawmatt Industries Pvt Ltd to convert diesel tractors into CNG tractors.
The Leafinity Bioenergy Private Ltd which is part of the MRN group will convert 500 diesel tractors into CNG engine tractors in the first phase and in addition 1,500 tractors will be converted into CNG tractors by 2023.
The agreement was reached between Rawmatt and Vijay Nirani, Managing Director of MRN Group during the launch of CNG tractor in New Delhi in the presence of Union Minister Nitin Gadkari.
The cost of converting the diesel engine tractor into CNG tractor is around Rs 2 lakh to Rs 2.5 lakh and the farmers are assured of getting their expenditure back in reasonable time. This engine will have 10 to 15 years of life.
The MRN group will set up CNG dispensation stations which includes engine conversion set up and CNG gas station at Bagalkote District very soon and extend all the help to the farmers in transforming their livelihood with this initiative.
Atmanirbhar Bharat Initiative
The launch of first CNG tractor in the country is a crucial step towards realizing Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s dream of making India self-reliant in all the sectors with his ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ campaign.
The Prime Minister, who has been emphasizing on improving the lives and economic condition of our farmers, took several measures to double their income and get good price for their produce. The transformation of diesel tractors into CNG tractors is an important step towards empowering our farmers.
Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar, Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister of State for Agriculture Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Gen V K Singh and Minister Murugesh R Nirani were present in the ceremony.