On November 21, 2025, the agricultural heartland of Nagpur played host to a showcase that could shape the future of Indian farming. Mahindra & Mahindra, the world’s largest tractor manufacturer by volume, unveiled an ambitious lineup of alternate-fuel tractors and sustainable farming technologies at Agrovision 2025, drawing attention from policymakers, industry leaders, and farmers alike. The event, attended by Union Cabinet Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari and Union Cabinet Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan, underscored the government’s and industry’s shared commitment to a cleaner, more efficient agricultural sector.
Mahindra’s display was nothing short of comprehensive. At the center were three next-generation alternate-fuel tractors, all developed at Mahindra Research Valley in Chennai—a testament to the company’s investment in homegrown engineering. The technologies on display included a CNG/CBG dual-fuel tractor, an ethanol flex-fuel engine tractor, and a fully electric tractor. Each innovation targets a different challenge, but all share a common goal: to reduce emissions, lower operating costs, and offer farmers more sustainable choices.
The CNG/CBG tractor, built on the Yuvo Tech+ platform, is a flexible workhorse. It can run on Compressed Natural Gas, Compressed Biogas, or a combination of diesel and CNG. This versatility means farmers can take advantage of whichever fuel is most accessible or affordable in their region. According to Mahindra, this setup not only slashes running costs but also supports India’s push toward renewable energy sources. The company has emphasized that with the government’s plan to set up 400 CNG filling stations across the country, the infrastructure for such tractors is gradually falling into place.
The ethanol flex-fuel tractor is another leap toward sustainable mechanization. Its engine is designed to run on ethanol derived from sugarcane, maize, crop stubble, and other agricultural waste. This means farmers could, in theory, power their tractors with fuel produced from their own fields, closing a loop that benefits both the environment and their bottom lines. As Mahindra pointed out, this technology not only reduces emissions but also supports India’s broader goals of energy independence. The government is also exploring isobutanol—derived from ethanol through fermentation—as a diesel alternative for tractors and construction equipment, further diversifying the clean fuel portfolio.
Perhaps the most futuristic of the trio is Mahindra’s electric tractor, developed on the lightweight OJA platform. This model promises zero emissions, reduced maintenance, and instant torque delivery, making it both environmentally friendly and highly practical for a range of farming tasks. Fast charging capabilities mean less downtime, and the quiet operation could be a welcome change for rural communities accustomed to the rumble of diesel engines. Mahindra says the electric tractor is poised to redefine agricultural productivity, offering a glimpse of a quieter, cleaner future on India’s farms.
Veejay Nakra, President of Farm Equipment Business at Mahindra & Mahindra, captured the company’s vision succinctly: “Mahindra is committed to leading India’s shift to alternate fuel technologies and driving cleaner, smarter, and sustainable farming solutions. Our presence at Agrovision 2025 underscores this commitment as we showcase innovative tractors and technologies that will shape the future of Indian agriculture, aligned with the Government of India’s vision toward achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070.” According to Nakra, these innovations are not just about reducing emissions—they’re about making new technologies accessible and economically viable for the average Indian farmer.
The significance of these developments is hard to overstate. India’s agricultural sector is vast, diverse, and critically important to the country’s economy and food security. Yet, it has traditionally relied on diesel-powered machinery, which contributes to air pollution and makes the nation dependent on imported fossil fuels. The move toward alternate fuels is part of a broader strategy to meet Euro VI emission norms, reduce the carbon footprint of farming, and insulate farmers from volatile fuel prices.
Cost savings are a major incentive. Mahindra’s CNG tractor, first launched in November 2023, reportedly allows farmers to save up to Rs 100 per hour in operating costs compared to diesel tractors, thanks in part to its 24-kilogram onboard gas capacity. Union Minister Gadkari has stated that biofuel adoption could lead to annual savings of Rs 1 lakh per farmer—a figure that could transform rural livelihoods if realized at scale. The company’s previous forays into CNG, CBG, and LPG tractors have already set benchmarks, and with competitors like TAFE (which produces John Deere and Swaraj tractors) also developing similar technologies, the race to market is heating up.
However, challenges remain. As TAFE’s Group President TR Kesavan has noted, the lack of refueling infrastructure in rural areas is a significant barrier to widespread adoption. "Once CNG and biofuel outlets are set up in villages, these tractors can be launched," he explained, highlighting the chicken-and-egg dilemma facing the industry. Still, with government backing and continued private sector innovation, these hurdles may soon be overcome.
Mahindra’s approach is notably inclusive. Alongside its alternate-fuel tractors, the company continues to manufacture and display a wide range of conventional diesel-powered models under both the Mahindra and Swaraj brands. This dual strategy ensures that farmers have options suited to their immediate needs and local realities, while also nudging the market toward a cleaner future. The company’s global reach—employing 324,000 people across more than 100 countries—gives it the scale and expertise to drive such a transition.
The government’s role is pivotal. By setting ambitious targets—such as net-zero carbon emissions by 2070—and investing in infrastructure, policymakers are creating an environment in which innovations like Mahindra’s can thrive. The emphasis on biofuels, electric power, and emerging solutions like isobutyl reflects a recognition that no single technology will solve all the sector’s challenges. Instead, a mosaic of options, tailored to local conditions, is likely to emerge.
For farmers, the promise of lower costs, greater energy independence, and a cleaner environment is compelling. But as with any technological shift, adoption will depend on practical realities: fuel availability, upfront costs, and the reliability of new machines. Mahindra’s track record of bringing alternate-fuel technologies to market first, combined with its ongoing investment in research and development, suggests it is well-positioned to lead this transformation.
As the dust settles on Agrovision 2025, one thing is clear: the future of Indian farming is being rewritten, one innovation at a time. With government support, industry leadership, and growing awareness among farmers, the shift to alternate fuels is gathering momentum—offering hope for a sector that feeds a nation and sustains millions of livelihoods.
