Tractor prices to go up

Raising concern over the announcement of a 2 per cent rise in excise duty in the Union Budget, Rohtash Mal, President, Tractor Manufacturers Association (TMA), said the hike in excise duty would lead to a rise in tractor prices which would adversely affect farm mechanisation and agricultural productivity. Due to NREGA (National Rural Employment Guarantee Act), availability of farm labour has declined during farming season which can only be addressed through farm mechanisation. Tractors, farm implements and machines enable farmers increase productivity by ensuring timeliness of farm operations and increased work output per unit time. The rise in tractor prices would inhibit creation of affordable access for the farming community, Mr. Rohtash Mal said in a release.