Syllabus section: environment and ecology
 

Why in News?
The Union Minister recently launched the country’s first CNG tractor that will be able to save about Rs. 1 lakh annually on fuel costs.
 

About:
• The first-ever tractor of India, converted to CNG, was formally launched by the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways.
• It will help the Indian farmers in increasing their income by lowering the costs as well as help in creating job opportunities in rural India.
• The farmers, with this tractor, can save more than Rs. 1 lakh annually, which will further help them in improving their livelihoods.
• The retrofitted tractor produces more power/equal in comparison to the vehicles running on diesel.
 

Conversion to CNG: What are the benefits?
• It is a clean fuel that has the lowest content of caron and other pollutants.
• CNG is economical as it has zero lead and is non-dilutive, non-corrosive, and non-contaminating, which in return helps in increasing the engine’s life as well as require less regular maintenance.
• CNG is cheaper as its prices are far more consistent than the fluctuating petrol prices.
• The average mileage given by CNG vehicles is better than that of petrol/diesel driven vehicles.
• It is also safer as CNG tanks come with a tight seal, which further reduces the possibility of an explosion in the event of a spill or while refueling.
 

About CNG:
• CNG in the future, as at present, around 12 million vehicles have already been powered by natural gas around the world and more municipalities and companies are joining the CNG movement every day.
• The overall emissions have also been reduced by 70% as compared to diesel. CNG will help in saving up to 50% on the fuel cost as the current diesel prices are Rs. 77.43 liters, whereas CNG is only Rs. 42 per kg.

Source: LiveMint