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How an engineer-turned-entrepreneur is powering a cleaner future for Indian farming

How an engineer-turned-entrepreneur is powering a cleaner future for Indian farming

Time of India15-05-2025
In a country like India, where
agriculture
remains the backbone of the economy, the sector often lags in adopting
modern tools
,
sustainable machinery
, and
digitalisation
. Addressing this critical gap, one entrepreneur is quietly driving a technological revolution in the fields. A farmer by lineage and an engineer by profession, Yogesh Chaudhary has transitioned into entrepreneurship with his
electric tractor
startup,
Varden Electric Tractors
.
Born and raised in a farming family, Chaudhary is intimately familiar with the challenges of Indian agriculture. With over 30 years of experience across both agriculture and the corporate world—having worked with firms like Bajaj Hindusthan and Reliance Infratech—he gained firsthand insight into the financial pressures on farmers and the operational inefficiencies of diesel-powered equipment.
An engineering graduate from Dayalbagh University with an MBA in HR & Marketing, Chaudhary returned to his agricultural roots with a new mission: to make farming more efficient, affordable, and environmentally sustainable.
'Farmers today face rising cultivation costs and shrinking profits. I knew we had to design something not just cleaner but smarter,' Chaudhary told ETAuto.
To address these challenges, Chaudhary founded Varden Electric Tractors, offering eco-friendly, high-tech electric tractors designed for multiple sectors including agriculture, brick manufacturing, mining, and logistics.
Unlike traditional diesel models, Varden's tractors feature:
High torque electric drivetrainsTwo-wheel and four-wheel drive optionsFaster pickup and lower maintenanceADDC rear lifting assembly and front hydraulic liftCrop reaper attachmentsCompact and lightweight design for small farms
'This is not just a tractor—it's a solution built from the ground up for our farmers,' Chaudhary emphasized.
The company's compact series—C25, C33, and C39—caters specifically to small and mid-sized farms, combining affordability with advanced functionality.
Varden's tractors are built in-house at two manufacturing units in Rajkot and Jewar, with Jewar supporting the bulk of production. According to the company, this vertical integration cuts tractor costs by 40–45% compared to competitors.
Currently producing 2,500 units annually, Varden plans to ramp up capacity to 9,000 units by FY2027. The startup has already secured 250+ pre-orders, thanks to its competitive pricing and strong value proposition.
Varden operates on a B2C model, offering two-day user training and rapid after-sales service, which has helped build a loyal customer base.
Its distribution network spans Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, and West Bengal, with plans underway to expand into international markets such as Mexico, Canada, Australia, and South Africa.
While the company has made notable progress despite limited government support, Chaudhary remains optimistic about the future of electric tractors in India.
'Electric tractors are not just about fuel savings—they represent a smarter, more sustainable way forward for Indian agriculture,' he said.
For Yogesh Chaudhary, this venture isn't just a business—it's a mission to empower farmers, reduce their input costs, and bring comfort and innovation to the fields where India's food story begins.
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