How important is R&D in the farm equipment manufacturing sector? Tell us about your R&D capabilities.
We believe that R&D plays an important role for every farm equipment manufacturing company, as it is the deciding factor for an innovative product. Being situated in Punjab (The leading agriculture state in India), Sonalika has deep knowledge of the farming requirements across India and have also done an extensive research on the same, which resulted in development of the most suitable tractors and equipment for the agriculture and commercial applications.
Sonalika ITL is equipped with a R&D department, which is recognised by the Government of India, Ministry of Science and Technology Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. It has more than 300 specialised engineers to provide most updated technology with customised solutions to our customers. The main thrust of the R&D function is to accelerate innovation and maximise the value of each product.
Our R&D department has highly skilled and experienced manpower, which has developed technologically superior tractor range from 20-110HP. The department is equipped with an in-house testing facility to ensure 100 percent quality. It also integrated the most updated technology to cater tp the customers' variety of needs and requirements.
You have sold tractors in numerous countries all over the world. Please elaborate on your exports. What differences do you find in the demands of Indian and global farmers?
Our tractors are sold under Solis and Sonalika brands in more than 100 countries, which include European as well as non-European countries. Sonalika ITL has come a long way internationally, from their first export order in 2010 for Cameroon, now has become a trusted brand for the customers globally.
The fundamental needs like value for money, less fuel consumption, safety and additional benefit remains the same for both domestic and global farmers. However, their usage is different e.g. farmers globally use tractors for specific applications like road cleaning, loading, etc., while the Indian farmers mostly require tractors with multiple application option. Farming is a lively hood for the Indian farmers whereas it is a hobby or a secondary business for global farmers that are catered by Sonalika ITL. To meet the demands of global farmers we provide customised solutions to them.
On the other hand, Indian farms are small in size and thus, require tractors of lesser power. Their main requirement covers from 35-45 HP tractors while global farmers are completely technology dependent and use bigger tractors.
The company recently started its production at its Punjab plant. Can you please elaborate on the same? Which markets this facility will cater to?
Sonalika is a home grown company and produces approximately 80,000 tractors per year to cater the demands of farmers. With the increasing demand for tractors in India and globally, we are starting a state-of-the-art tractor manufacturing plant, which is strategically located in Hoshiarpur. This facility will produce approximately two lakh tractors annually with a roll out time of around two minutes. The world-class plant offers all facilities, under one roof i.e. manufacturing everything from sheet plastics, sheet metals, transmission, engine to the whole tractor. It will also house a robotic paint facility for base and top coat. We are the first tractor manufacturing company in India to adopt such an advanced system.
You plan to ramp up number of dealers in the Southern India. Can you please elaborate on your expansion plan with this regard?
Sonalika ITL aims to move up from current standing of No 3 in the tractor manufacturing industry. With the increase of our production capacity, we need to increase our penetration in Southern markets. For this we need to increase our dealer network to reach closer to farmers and provide easy service support to the farmers.
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