Come monsoon, Karnal agri implement industry focuses on equipment production

As paddy transplantation activities pick up pace across the region, Karnal’s agricultural implement industry, the leading hub of North India, is gearing up production of high-demand equipment essential for the upcoming paddy harvesting and wheat sowing seasons.

With exports spanning over 100 countries and clients across almost all Indian states, manufacturers say this is the time they focus on fulfilling expected new orders in the domestic market.

At present, over 100 organised and unorganised units operate in Karnal, producing a diverse range of farm machinery while employing over 5,000 people. With an impressive annual turnover of around Rs 2,000 crore, the industry caters to a vast global and domestic market.

Ravi Beri, MD of Beri Udyog Pvt Ltd — a major player in this field with a presence in over 100 countries — and vice-president of the Karnal Agricultural Implement Manufacturers Association (KAIMA), said from July to September, the industry typically witnesses a slump due to the rainy season across the country. However, during these months, the manufacturers produce equipment to fulfil local demand for paddy harvesting and wheat sowing.

He highlighted that during the last financial year, Karnal’s agricultural implement industry witnessed an average growth of around 10 per cent in turnover, which is a positive sign for the sector.

Karnal’s proximity to Mandi Gobindgarh, a major steel supplier and its strategic location on NH-44, have also played a crucial role in the success of the industry. Additionally, the presence of premier ICAR institutes such as NDRI, CSSRI, NBAGR, IIWBR, the Sugarcane Breeding Institute, IARI, and others, continues to drive innovation and awareness among the region’s progressive farming community, which also contributes in success of the industry, Beri added.

Bhavuk Mehta, general secretary of KAIMA, said during this period, their focus shifts to manufacturing items for domestic demand, including stubble management machines for the paddy season and zero-till machines for wheat sowing.

However, he pointed out the challenge of labour shortage, saying the industry was facing a major crisis. “The new generation seeks white-collar jobs in MNCs and does not prefer working in industries that require physical labour,” said Mehta.

Manish Gaba, finance secretary of KAIMA, said the journey of Karnal’s agricultural implement manufacturing industry had been nothing short of remarkable. In the 1950s, Karnal was dependent on foreign imports even for minor components like harrow discs. Now, it produces a wide array of sophisticated implements — from rotary tillers, subsoiler, disc harrows to fertiliser spreaders, zero-till seeders, sugarcane loaders, tractors, trailers, disc ploughs and mouldboard ploughs.

Gaba said the Karnal industry has witnessed significant growth over the past seven decades. However, labour shortages and rising power tariffs remain major challenges. “The increased power tariffs have become a burden on the industry,” he said.

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Haryana Tribune