Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General,Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)& Secretary, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) unveiled the Central Mechanical Engineering Research institute’s Electric Tiller in Durgapur on 25^th May 2024. The CSIR-CMERI’s innovative technologyistailored to meet the requirements of small to marginal farmers, who constitute over 80% of the nation’s farming community. These farmers, typically with land holdings of less than 2 hectares, can utilize the electric tiller for various agricultural tasks, benefiting from substantially reduced operational costs. Furthermore, this advancement underscores India's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions and promoting environmentally friendly farming practices.

The Electric Tiller boasts enhanced torque and field efficiency, while also prioritizing user comfort and environmental sustainability. It significantly reduces hand-arm vibration, operates quietly, and produces zero exhaust emissions compared to traditional ICE tillers. With the potential to decrease operational costs by up to 85%, its user-friendly design supports battery pack swapping and offers multiple charging options, including AC and Solar DC charging.

The tiller also seamlessly integrates with a wide array of standard agricultural attachments such as ridgers, ploughs, iron wheels, and cultivators.It comes equipped with a 2-inch water pump and a trolley attachment capable of carrying up to 500 kg, further enhancing its versatility. Featuring electronic controls and ergonomic handling, operators can navigate fields with ease, minimizing fatigue and maximizing productivity. The Electric Tiller from CSIR-CMERI marks a significant milestone in agricultural machinery, paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient farming future.

Dr N Kalaiselvi, DG, CSIR, Dr N C Murmu, Director, CSIR-CMERI and staff at the Electric Tiller launch

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PK/PSM