Mr. P Nageshwar Rao speaks at the Agricultural Innovation Conference and Exhibition held at HAU, UK
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Mr. P Nageshwar Rao speaks at the Agricultural Innovation Conference and Exhibition held at HAU, UK

TAFE entered into collaboration with Harper Adams in June 2018 to develop advanced technological, agronomic and educational solutions for the delivery of sustainable food production around the world.

Recently, the National Centre for Precision Farming (NCPF) at Harper Adams University successfully hosted its first Agricultural Innovation Conference and Exhibition on July 03, 2018.

The event which was sponsored by AHDB and supported by Agri-Tech West, started with a keynote speech from LEAF Chief Executive Caroline Drummond MBE. She said: “In terms of where innovation is going in agriculture, it’s exciting times.”

Mr. P Nageshwar Rao from TAFE R&D was amongst the speakers for the event. He shared TAFE’s history and the situation in India and said: “Precision farming in India is still in a nascent stage; unique challenges will require tailored solutions in this market.

“We believe by 2025, in India, adaptation of technologies like imaging, FMS, mobile apps, autonomous in agriculture space to be at par with global standards.

With regards to hearing about HFH, Mr. P Nageshwar Rao added: “When I heard about a tractor without a driver, I said this is where we need to jump to join hands together.”

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Eicher Tractors journey through the ‘Highest Motorable Road’ in the world

The power of Eicher tractors from TMTL was put to test during the first ever tractorthon journeying from Manali all the way till Khardung La Top, at a height of 18380 ft above sea level, in July 2017. This herculean feat of covering 473 kilometers of varied terrain was the first tractorthon and Eicher’s success of completing this task lives up to its promise of providing an “Umeed Se Zyada” experience.

One of the oldest names in the tractor industry, Eicher tractors are well known for being economical, fuel efficient and its unique distinction of being the pioneer in agricultural mechanization and product technology. The Eicher 548 and 557 embarked on one of the toughest journeys and successfully completed the challenging Tractorthon on the World’s Highest Motorable Road.

The Eicher 548 is packed with the air-cooled technology and Eicher 557 with water-cooled technology, and both tractors traversed the rocky terrains with ease as Egon Eicher and his son, from the family of the first founders of Eicher Germany drove through the stunning lands of Leh. This action packed power ride showcased the signature style of Eicher’s ruggedness and reliability to perform even in the most extreme conditions.

The Tractorthon was a show of power and Eicher tractors’ uncompromising promise of durability, reliability and its promise of an Ummeed Se Zyada experience.

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New training programs and initiatives at TAFE’s PTC

Since 1963, TAFE’s Product Training Centre has been playing an integral part in supporting TAFE’s multi-fold growth over the decades by integrating learning and hands-on training modules for the service staff to provide its customers with quality after sales service.
With the needs of customers changing, staying ahead of times is crucial to stay relevant. Over the years, PTC has introduced several programs that facilitate knowledge sharing, ensuring that the technicians and service staff always have access to knowledge.
PTC recently launched a two-day refresher training program for aftermarket private tractor mechanics which aimed at educating the participants about the tractor – its parts like the common and special parts, and the procedure to remove and fit the same. They were also trained on some of the latest changes in the aggregates and adjustments. The training ensures that TAFE customers receive the best service from the technicians and around 338 private tractor mechanics have been trained so far and the training has been well received.
Additionally, TAFE has started training programs for tractor models MF 6028 and MF 2635 at their PTC centers, and also one for the field team dealing with the new IPTO (Independent Power Take Off).
A mechanic skill level competition was organized in Bihar and Jharkhand for PTC trained mechanics where their skill levels were evaluated to encourage them to improve their skills, which was marked by the attendance of about 35 mechanics. The competition comprised of objective-type questions based on repair and maintenance of tractors and the top three scorers were awarded and recognized.
335 dealership technicians from various dealerships across India have successfully completed the basic product training programs and new product training programs; and 593 TAFE personnel from across functions, technical and non-technical teams have successfully completed various training programs at PTC up to March 2018. Apart from this, various electrical models and wiring diagrams have also been introduced in the electrical section for easy understanding of the trainees.
The Product Training Centre is TAFE’s commitment to Cultivating the World and ensuring that customers get the best after sales service. With its expertise, training programs and evolving teaching methods, PTC is paving the way for a one of a kind customer satisfaction experience.

TAFE sponsors SAEISS Tractor Design Competition - 2018
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TAFE and SAEISS inspire young minds to design tractors

Nurturing young minds is an essential part of TAFE’s journey of Cultivating the World. With the significant increase in the tractor industry’s growth, it is evident that farm mechanization is a key factor in the success of our country’s agricultural sector. Encouraging the youth of the country to take more interest in farming and empowering them with knowledge on the industry is essential to accelerate this growth.

SAE INDIA Southern Section (SAEISS) has been organizing a Tractor Design Competition (TDC) since October 2016 for the undergraduate engineering students of India. The competition was launched by SAEISS in the presence of Mr. Cuneyt Oge, SAE International and gives engineering students an opportunity to understand the customer requirements, design, build and test various tractor models, including a 17 hp tractor. The engineering students have to design, manufacture, assemble, and prove their tractors before a team of technical experts.

This year, the SAEISS Tractor Design Competition was sponsored by TAFE, and Simpsons, and engineers from both TAFE and Simpsons conducted three workshops on the various aspects of tractor design. Each team submitted their design report which was evaluated by the chief judges Mr. C. Varadarajan and Mr. S. Nakkeran. The judges visited the colleges of the 22 registered teams in March 2018 for a preliminary inspection and gave feedback which significantly helped the teams enhance their tractor designs.

The finals of the competition was hosted by SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST) at their Kattangulatur campus, Chennai from 21st to 23rd June, 2018. The competition included design report presentation, and technical inspection of the tractor for both safety and performance. Out of the 22 registered teams, 16 teams demonstrated their tractors in maneuverability and durability tracks. The team from Government College of Technology, Coimbatore was the overall champion and SAEISS TDC – 2019 was launched during the valedictory function.

This tractor design competition is a first of its kind in Asia with a primary objective to encourage interest in the design of tractor and to improve students’ employability. In addition to building technical competencies, student engineers learn to prepare business cases for the project, behavioral competencies like communication, team work and leadership skills.

Tractor Design Competition 2018 was inaugurated by Mr. S. Sriraman, Chairman, SAEISS and Senior Vice President (R&D), TAFE on June 21, 2018. He appreciated the hard work put in by students and their faculty advisors to reach the finals and told students to make use of the opportunity to discuss various aspects of design with the Industry experts during the course of this event. Dr. D. Kingsly Jeba Singh, Dean, School of Mechanical Engineering., SRMIST, and Mr. P. S. Rajamani, Whole Time Director, Simpsons, Chennai also attended the event as guests.

Venkateswaran K, Elango. R, Bhagwat Nagalwade, from TAFE R&D COE participated and presented a technical paper in the Fluid Power Technical Seminar (FPTS)
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TAFE R&D presents paper on enhanced new product development

Fluid Power Society of India conducted the Fluid Power Technical Seminar (FPTS) in Bangalore on June 19 and 20, 2018. Venkateswaran K, Elango. R, Bhagwat Nagalwade, from TAFE R&D COE participated and presented a technical paper in the seminar.

The paper presented was titled “Methodology Adapted in Hydraulic System Simulation to Enhance New Product Development” was well received by the audience and committee members, and awarded a certificate and shield for the paper.

This paper focuses mainly on simulation driven product development as one of the methods to reduce lead time for concept creation, concept optimization and to reduce the product development cost. It is detailed into three major categories:

1) Overview of model based system engineering in product development

2) Simulation methodology demonstration of a hydraulic system through AMESim software, and

3) Challenges faced by OEM

This paper presents the methods used in modeling of a tractor hydraulic system with assumptions and meeting the performance requirements. It elaborates the modeling of each sub system and validation of subsystem. The paper also explains the identification of critical factors, sensitivity study and Design of Experiments (DoE) on performance parameters and its ability to size for the given product specification through simulation.

The TAFE team at HAU's Agri-EPI Centre
News | Spotlight

TAFE and HAU collaborate to develop sustainable agriculture solutions

Tractors and Farm Equipment Limited TAFE has entered into a new international collaboration with UK based Harper Adams University (HAU) to develop advanced technological, agronomic and educational solutions for the delivery of sustainable food production around the world.

HAU is an agriculture university established in 1901 in the United Kingdom. HAU’s Agriculture Engineering Precision and Innovation – Agri-EPI Centre is one of the four national Centres for Agricultural Innovation created as part of the £17.7m UK government investment from UK’s Strategy for Agricultural Technologies to help provide engineering and precision agriculture solutions for the agri-food industry.

The collaboration with HAU’s Agri-EPI Centre will include joint research projects and programmes, joint publications and staff exchanges. The areas of research will focus on agriculture, engineering and technology development programmes on autonomous farming and energy efficient implements, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) systems and sensor technologies, and the Hands free hectare project to be implemented at JFarm India – TAFE’s adaptive agriculture research centre.

TAFE President & COO – Mr. T R Kesavan said, “TAFE’s collaboration with Harper Adams – Agri-EPI Centre is a reaffirmation of TAFE’s commitment to its vision of ‘Cultivating the World’ as it aims to combine integrated farming techniques with precision agriculture and engineering to develop sustainable farming models that work for both marginal and large farms. This collaboration will provide opportunities for developing a range of advanced training skills, learning and the promotion of international technology transfer and exchange.”

Engineers from TAFE have moved into the new Agri-EPI Centre on the Harper Adams University campus to work on the centre’s first major research and development project. On the team’s arrival, Harper Adams University engineering lecturer, Kit Franklin said, “We at Harper Adams have been building contacts with TAFE for the last 18 months. It’s great to now have this young and enthusiastic team of engineers from TAFE’s Centre of Excellence here in the UK where we’re about to start our first collaborative engineering project. Along with the completion of the project, I hope the team will get a flavour of British agriculture, helping them to return with fresh new ideas.”

Welcoming them to the Agri-EPI Centre, Lee Williams – Newport Centre Hub Manager said, “We’re extremely excited about the first major R&D project coming into the centre, but even more so as it’s a large global tractor manufacturer that’s working in collaboration with Harper Adams.”

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TAFE TRIBE – Original TAFE Merchandise

A brand new way of life. 
A legacy. Your identity. 
Welcome to the TRIBE.

ENJOY OUR DISTINCT AND ORIGINAL MERCHANDISE COLLECTION 

TAFE TRIBE – The Original Merchandise portal of TAFE – Tractors and Farm Equipment Limited, offers a range of interesting, high quality products to choose from, each with their own unique identity. 

Every product embodies the essence of TAFE’s brand and its globally renowned standards of design, quality and efficiency. Many are directly inspired by the design language of our machines while others celebrate TAFE’s rich heritage. 

With a wide range of collectibles, toys, shirts, T-shirts, caps, jackets, ties, sweatshirts, sippers, mugs, USB / pen-drives, wallets, key-rings, backpacks, travel bags, pens, accessories and lots more in store, you will never out of options. 

Gear up with authentic TAFE Merchandise. Live the Brand. Join the TRIBE.

TAFETRIBE.COM – FEATURES 

  • International Security Standards (EV-SSL Certified)
  • Secure, reliable and easy payment gateway
  • Responsive and device friendly
  • Pay via credit / debit card or net banking
  • Free shipping across India (on orders above Rs. 500)
  • Promise of TAFE
TAFE ‘Cultivating The World’ with learning
News | Spotlight

TAFE ‘Cultivating The World’ with learning

At Tractors and Farm Equipment Limited (TAFE), learning is an integral part of its ethos. As a learning organization, TAFE pioneered the development of its employees and channel partners through various training modules at the ‘Product Training Centre’ way back in the 1960’s, which was the first of its kind in the tractor industry. Over the years, TAFE’s commitment to learning has expanded and evolved, leveraging the latest technology to support and encourage its employees to constantly develop and upgrade themselves.

As part of this journey, TAFE was honoured at the 2018 India Innovation Awards by Skillsoft and SumTotal for ‘Creating an Impact in Leadership Development’ amidst HR, L&D industry stalwarts at its India Perspectives 2018 conference. This award honours an organization that develops and implements best-in-class integrated learning and/ or talent programs that demonstrate strong results. Programs feature innovation to overcome challenges and realize success.

Spearheaded by TAFE E-University and the Business Excellence team, the leadership development program -internally branded as LA CAFÉ, is offered as part of the Joy of Execution Excellence (JoEE) initiative. Considering the great need to develop CSF project leaders in the organization who are hard-pressed for time to attend a complete classroom based learning, TAFE partnered with Skillsoft to offer world class online programs, designed and delivered to meet various business needs in a blended learning mode.

The program focused on boosting the success rate of strategic projects by improving the competency levels of Critical Success Factor (CSF) project leaders within the organization. It aimed to develop the project management skills of CSF project leaders in the identified skill gap areas. The skill gaps were consolidated by in-person conversations with business leaders and surveys. The six modules from Skillsoft Leadership Advantage (SLA) to address the critical areas which were contributing to project success were: – Leading Effective Meetings, Problem Solving and Decision Making, Project Management, Managing Conflict, Influence and Persuasion, and Managing Upward Relationships.

The program followed a blended learning approach that provided the right mix of, self-paced learning for leaders to learn anytime anywhere, online webinars to value-add to the online content and motivate learners, café type workshops to encourage collaborative and social learning, business whatsapp conversations to engage and discuss key concepts, senior leader perspectives to align the learning with TAFE’s context, LA CAFÉ buddy for peer motivation to learn, and gamification to make learning fun and engaging. The program’s framework of ‘Learn – Apply – Share – Institutionalize’, supported learners to apply their learning to the projects they are leading, and also transfer best practices to organizational projects by means of horizontal deployment.

The recognition validates TAFE’s constant endeavour to build a continuous learning culture and encourage knowledge sharing. TAFE e-University and Business Excellence team are at an important juncture in the transformation journey, aligning business needs to learning and knowledge sharing, and thereby impacting the business’s bottom-line.

Congratulations to the TAFE E-University and Business Excellence team on this accolade and for ‘Cultivating The World’ with learning.

Mallika Srinivasan recognized as ‘Outstanding Woman Entrepreneur’ at The ET Family Business Awards
News | Spotlight

Ms. Mallika Srinivasan recognized as ‘Outstanding Woman Entrepreneur’ by ET

TAFE Chairman & CEO, Ms. Mallika Srinivasan was awarded in the ‘Outstanding Woman Entrepreneur’ category at the maiden edition of The Economic Times Family Business Awards.

Mallika Srinivasan is a thought leader and a strategist, recognized for entrepreneurship, commitment to excellence and contribution to Indian agriculture machinery business and academia. TAFE is today, the third largest tractor manufacturer in the world and the second largest in India by volumes, with an annual sale of over 150,000 tractors and presence in over 100 countries, including developed countries in Europe and the Americas. It is one of the leading exporters of tractors from India.

In a span of 25 years, Ms. Mallika Srinivasan has established TAFE as a quality mass manufacturer of tractors, a lean and resilient organization that can effectively weather the cyclicality of the tractor business. With her special emphasis on product and process development, she has ensured significant expansion of TAFE’s product range. She enhanced and leveraged the engineering strengths at TAFE to design, develop and manufacture a range of products for international markets. Besides tractors and farm machinery, TAFE manufactures diesel engines, silent gensets, batteries, hydraulic pumps and cylinders, engineering plasticsgears and transmission components, and has business interest in vehicle franchises and plantations.

“Only businesses with more than ₹250 crore in consolidated revenue in the financial year 2016-17 were considered. Apart from revenue and profit growth, the jury considered key factors such as sustainability of the business model, governance – including outlined family constitution and ownership policies – succession planning framework, strategic partnerships, product and service innovation, strength of the leadership team, innovation in organisational and family structuring, global business growth and strategic tie-ups among other things.” – ET Family Business Awards 2018.