SYLLABUS
GS-3: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
Context: Farmers’ organisations have opposed the proposed Tractor Emission Norms (TREM) Stage V, arguing that the regulations will increase tractor costs and worsen financial pressure on farmers.
More on the News
- An expert committee chaired by agricultural scientist Indra Mani has recommended implementation of Tractor Emission Norms (TREM) Stage V from 1 October 2026.
- Farmer groups urged Union Agriculture Minister that:
- tractors should not be treated as commercial vehicles.
- stricter norms should apply only to tractors above 70 horsepower, which are mostly used for commercial or industrial purposes.
- reconsider the timeline for implementing these emission standards or to provide subsidies to offset the costs.
- Farmers said most tractors in use will not comply with TREM Stage V and replacing them will increase debt and benefit manufacturers.
- Tractor industry representatives previously requested an exemption for tractors below 50 horsepower from the proposed norms.
- The Minister directed officials to assess actual pollution levels from farm tractors and compare them with other vehicle categories.
Rising Emissions from Diesel Tractors in India
- The growing use of high-horsepower diesel tractors contribute to 14% of National Greenhouse Gases such as Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM2.5), Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) and Carbon Oxide (CO), from the Agriculture sector in 2019.
- To address rising pollution, India currently enforces Bharat Tractor Emission (TREM) Stage IV norms for agricultural tractors, with further tightening being considered.
Overview of Bharat Trem Emission Norms
- Bharat TREM (Tractor Emission) norms are specific emission standards for agricultural tractors in India.
- Introduced separately from Bharat Stage (BS) norms applicable to road vehicles.
- Aimed at controlling air pollutants like Particulate Matter (PM), Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), and Carbon Monoxide (CO) from diesel tractors.
Evolution of Trem Emission Norms
- Trem Stage I (1999): The First-ever tractor emission norms implemented.
- Trem Stage II (2003): Introduced PM emission limits.
- Trem Stage III (2005): Further tightening of emission standards.
- Trem Stage III A (2010–11):
- Different standards based on engine size (HP category).
- First time stricter norms applied to tractors above 50 HP.
- Trem Stage IV (2023):
- Latest and most stringent stage.
- Applicable to tractors with engine capacity above 50 HP.
- Trem Stage v is about to be launched in 2026.