Sonalika to lift tractor output as it targets more sales in TamilNadu

International Tractors Ltd. (ITL) expects to hit full production capacity in the next three years as the maker of ‘Sonalika’ tractors increases focus on the southern market, including Tamil Nadu, said a top official.

“Tamil Nadu is dominated by tractors in the 41-50 HP segment,” said Mudit Gupta, president, commercial and strategic alliances, ITL.

‘Priority market’

“Hence, it becomes a priority market for us. We are committed to bring our best offerings to the farmers in the region. Sonalika has the widest range from 20 HP to 120 HP and tractors sold in Tamil Nadu range from 20 HP to 60 HP. We aim to increase our regional presence through strong dealership,” he said. ITL’s Hoshiarpur plants have a combined capacity to produce three lakh tractors per annum.

“We will be closing this financial year with one lakh tractors at our two Hoshiarpur plants in Punjab against 81,000 units produced last year,” Mr. Gupta said.Till date [2017-18], we have exported 10,000 units against 12,000 units for 2016-17.”

“We have the world’s largest integrated tractor manufacturing facility in India,” said Mr. Gupta. “We have presence in over 90 countries and have attained market leadership in some countries. We will achieve full production capacity in the next three years.” ITL’s two plants at Hoshiarpur have a combined capacity to produce three lakh tractors per annum, ranging from 20 HP to 120 HP. To boost growth, momentum, Mr. Gupta also unveiled Sikander range of tractors in Tamil Nadu. Plans are afoot to unveil tractors for inter-crop cultivation. suitable for sugarcane. and in orchard farming for banana, lemon and papaya.

“We have a 20% market share in total tractor sales in India. In the South, we are taking baby steps In the month of January, we posted 150% growth in Tamil Nadu and from April to January, it was 85%,” he said.

According to him, the market size for tractors in India was 6.60 lakh units out of which 87,000 were sold in the South with Tamil Nadu’s share being 24,500.

Source- http://www.thehindu.com/business