Govt Drafts TREM V Emission Rules for Tractors; Implementation May Begin from October 2026

Key Highlights

• The government proposes TREM V emission norms for tractors starting October 1, 2026.

• Tractors above 75 HP and below 25 HP are likely to adopt the new rules first.

• The 25-75 HP tractor segment will transition gradually and fully adopt TREM V by 2032.

• Stricter emission limits aim to reduce PM, CO, and NOx from tractor engines.

• Tractor prices, especially below 50 HP models, may increase by 15-20% due to new emission technologies.

The Government of India has proposed new emission standards for agricultural tractors to reduce pollution from farm machinery. A draft notification issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways suggests introducing Tractor Emission Stage V (TREM V) norms for certain tractor categories starting October 1, 2026.

However, the 25-75 HP tractor segment, which forms the majority of India’s tractor market, will get more time to comply. Tractors in this category are expected to fully adopt TREM V norms only by 2032. This extended timeline is aimed at giving manufacturers enough time to develop new engines and emission technologies without sharply increasing tractor prices for farmers.

Phased Plan for New Tractor Emission Norms

The proposed draft introduces a phased transition to stricter emission standards for tractors, power tillers, and combine harvesters. Different horsepower segments will adopt the new rules at different times to ensure a smooth shift to cleaner technology.

According to the proposal:

• Tractors above 75 HP (more than 56 kW) will follow TREM V norms from October 1, 2026.

• Tractors below 25 HP (less than 19 kW) will also adopt TREM V from October 1, 2026.

These segments include high-power tractors used on large farms and very low-power tractors used for small farms or specialized operations.

At present, emission rules for tractors follow two different standards:

• Tractors below 50 HP comply with TREM IIIA norms.

• Tractors above 50 HP comply with TREM IV norms.

The new proposal aims to gradually replace these existing standards with the more stringent TREM V regulations.

Transition Plan for the 25-75 HP Tractor Segment

The 25-75 HP category, which includes most tractors used by Indian farmers, will transition more gradually due to its large market share and importance in agriculture.

The transition timeline is as follows:

• 25-50 HP tractors (19-37 kW)

• Shift to TREM IIIAA norms from April 1, 2028

• Move to full TREM V norms from April 1, 2032

• 50-75 HP tractors (37-56 kW)

• Currently follow TREM IV norms

• Will upgrade directly to TREM V in 2032

While high-power and very low-power tractors will adopt TREM V by 2026, the mid-range segment will follow a staggered timeline, allowing both manufacturers and farmers time to adapt to the new requirements.

Objective of the New Emission Standards

The primary objective of introducing TREM V norms is to reduce harmful emissions from tractor engines. These emissions include:

• Particulate Matter (PM)

• Carbon Monoxide (CO)

• Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)

The new rules will also help India align its tractor emission standards with European regulations, particularly the European Union Stage V emission standards. These standards are already followed in several developed countries and are known for significantly lowering engine emissions.

This move is part of India’s broader effort to reduce air pollution and adopt cleaner agricultural technologies.

Emission Limits for 25-50 HP Tractors

Under the proposed TREM IIIAA norms, which will apply to 25-50 HP tractors from 2028, the emission limits are:

• Carbon Monoxide (CO): 5.0 g/kWh

• Hydrocarbon + Nitrogen Oxides (HC + NOx): 4.7 g/kWh

• Particulate Matter (PM): 0.35 g/kWh

When the segment transitions to TREM V in 2032, the limits will become significantly stricter:

• Particulate Matter (PM): 0.015 g/kWh

• Particle Number (PN) limit: 1 × 10¹²/kWh

These tighter limits will require manufacturers to adopt advanced emission control technologies.

Importance of the 25-75 HP Tractor Segment

India sold more than 1 million tractors in 2025, making it one of the largest tractor markets in the world.

The 25-75 HP category alone accounts for over 70% of total tractor sales. These tractors are widely used on small and medium-sized farms, which form the backbone of Indian agriculture.

Because this segment is critical for farming activities, the industry requested additional time to comply with the stricter emission norms. The phased timeline aims to ensure that the transition to cleaner tractors does not disrupt farming operations or significantly increase costs for farmers.

Impact on Tractor Design and Cost

To meet the TREM V emission standards, tractor manufacturers will need to redesign engines and introduce advanced emission control technologies such as:

• Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)

• Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR)

• Electronic engine management systems

These systems help reduce harmful exhaust gases but also increase manufacturing complexity and cost.

Industry experts estimate that tractor prices, especially for models below 50 HP, may rise by 15-20% once these technologies are introduced. Since small farmers rely heavily on mid-power tractors, the gradual implementation plan becomes essential to reduce financial pressure.

Industry Recommendation on Implementation Timeline

The Tractor and Mechanization Association has suggested delaying the implementation of TREM V norms for 25-50 HP tractors until 2028.

According to the association, this timeline will allow manufacturers to develop compliant engines and emission systems without sharply increasing tractor prices, while still supporting India’s transition toward cleaner and more environmentally friendly tractor technology.

Also Read: Tractor Retail Market Share February 2026: Mahindra Group Leads as Industry Sales Reach 89,418 Units

CMV360 Says

The proposed TREM V emission norms mark a major step toward cleaner agricultural machinery in India. By introducing stricter limits and aligning with global emission standards, the government aims to reduce pollution from tractor engines. At the same time, the phased implementation for the 25-75 HP segment ensures manufacturers and farmers have enough time to adapt. This balanced approach will support environmental goals while protecting the affordability and accessibility of tractors for Indian farmers.