Demanding tax-free use of tractors for agricultural operations, members of the Tamil Nadu Farmers Association gathered before the Coimbatore District Collectorate today and urged the Centre to abolish GST, road tax and diesel-related levies imposed on tractors.
Coimbatore: Members of the Tamil Nadu Farmers Association staged a protest in front of the Coimbatore District Collectorate on Monday, urging the Central Government to remove multiple taxes imposed on tractors used for agricultural purposes and provide greater financial support to the farming community.
Raising slogans against the Centre, the protesters asserted that tractors have become the backbone of modern-day agriculture, replacing traditional livestock-based farming in many parts of the country. They argued that farmers, already burdened by rising cultivation costs, labour shortages and unpredictable climatic conditions, should not be subjected to additional financial strain through taxes on essential agricultural machinery.
Association leaders pointed out that tractors attract multiple levies, including GST and road tax at the time of purchase, while farmers are also compelled to bear the impact of diesel taxes imposed by both the Central and State Governments. They contended that these cumulative taxes significantly increase the operational costs of farming and erode already shrinking agricultural incomes.
The protesters also questioned the rationale behind collecting road taxes on tractors while simultaneously restricting their movement on national highways and expressways. Describing the policy as inequitable, they said farmers are required to pay taxes similar to those imposed on other vehicles, yet are denied the same access and usage rights on major road networks.
Highlighting international practices, the association claimed that several countries provide extensive tax concessions for tractors withfuel subsidies to support farmers and strengthen agricultural production. In contrast, they alleged that Indian farmers continue to face mounting financial pressures despite repeated appeals to the government for relief.
The association demanded that tractors be formally classified as agricultural implements rather than conventional motor vehicles. Among their key demands were a complete exemption from GST and road tax on tractors, full tax relief on diesel used for agricultural operations, abolition of the National Calamity Contingent Duty (NCCD) and a substantial reduction in VAT on diesel.
The farmers urged both the Central and State Governments to recognise the crucial role played by agriculture in sustaining the nation’s economy and to take immediate measures to ease the financial burden on cultivators. They warned that if their longstanding demands continue to be ignored, protests would be intensified across the country in the coming months.
Raising slogans against the Centre, the protesters asserted that tractors have become the backbone of modern-day agriculture, replacing traditional livestock-based farming in many parts of the country. They argued that farmers, already burdened by rising cultivation costs, labour shortages and unpredictable climatic conditions, should not be subjected to additional financial strain through taxes on essential agricultural machinery.
Association leaders pointed out that tractors attract multiple levies, including GST and road tax at the time of purchase, while farmers are also compelled to bear the impact of diesel taxes imposed by both the Central and State Governments. They contended that these cumulative taxes significantly increase the operational costs of farming and erode already shrinking agricultural incomes.
The protesters also questioned the rationale behind collecting road taxes on tractors while simultaneously restricting their movement on national highways and expressways. Describing the policy as inequitable, they said farmers are required to pay taxes similar to those imposed on other vehicles, yet are denied the same access and usage rights on major road networks.
Highlighting international practices, the association claimed that several countries provide extensive tax concessions for tractors withfuel subsidies to support farmers and strengthen agricultural production. In contrast, they alleged that Indian farmers continue to face mounting financial pressures despite repeated appeals to the government for relief.
The association demanded that tractors be formally classified as agricultural implements rather than conventional motor vehicles. Among their key demands were a complete exemption from GST and road tax on tractors, full tax relief on diesel used for agricultural operations, abolition of the National Calamity Contingent Duty (NCCD) and a substantial reduction in VAT on diesel.
The farmers urged both the Central and State Governments to recognise the crucial role played by agriculture in sustaining the nation’s economy and to take immediate measures to ease the financial burden on cultivators. They warned that if their longstanding demands continue to be ignored, protests would be intensified across the country in the coming months.