Simpson & Co. Ltd. (Simpsons), a prominent subsidiary of the Amalgamations Group, is making a bold move towards electrifying their line of smart agricultural machinery, specifically focusing on power weeders for enhanced farm mechanization. In a progressive shift towards sustainable farming solutions, the company is laying the groundwork to introduce electric versions of these crucial agricultural tools.
Just a few months prior, Simpson & Co. launched the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) petrol models of their power weeders, featuring engines within the 5.5-8 horsepower range. Initially, these machines were released in select markets including Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar. At the helm of this strategic launch, a senior official highlighted the collaborative efforts that led to the creation of these machines, underscoring the procurement of batteries from esteemed partner Honda, while the rest of the weeder components were innovatively developed in-house.
The positive reception from these markets has been bolstering for Simpsons, which anticipates a nationwide expansion in the near future. Given the agricultural subsidies available, the power weeders are quite accessible to farmers, with costs post-subsidy at around ₹70,000 and ₹1,10,000 respectively, as mentioned by the official.
Emboldened by the success of the petrol-engine models, Simpsons is now getting ready to unveil an electric prototype of the power weeder. Nevertheless, while preparations are advancing rapidly, the company reserves discussions on specifics of the launch date, maintaining a degree of strategic anticipation. As part of their long-term vision, Simpsons is poised to offer a dual-range of power weeders, encompassing both the ICE petrol and the electric versions.
The company’s expertise does not stop with ICE engines; for their forthcoming e-power weeders, the critical components such as motors and controllers are slated for in-house production. Responsibility for battery manufacturing for these electric variants is likely to fall to group associate firm Bimetal Bearings Ltd., located in Hosur.
As the leading manufacturer of high-performance diesel engines, Simpsons commands an impressive portfolio, ranging from 15 to 95 horsepower. The company’s annual production exceeds 1,75,000 diesel engines, dedicated to a myriad of applications spanning the agricultural, industrial, marine, retail, and power generation sectors, serving an extensive client base both domestically and internationally.
An intrinsic understanding of the user demographic is evident as noted by the source, where power weeders predominantly appeal to those handling smaller farmhouses or land areas of less than one acre. Conversely, those operating larger expanses of one to five acres tend to opt for tillers. Simpsons’ commitment to the livelihoods of micro farmers resonates through their ingenuity in offering cost-effective weeding solutions, paralleled with an ambition to reduce the dependence on imported machinery.
The overall market for power weeders is significant, estimated at around ₹1,200 crore, with an additional ₹300 crore stemming from accessories for varied applications. With a clear understanding of the marketplace and a determined strategy, Simpsons is not just envisioning a minor foothold but is aiming to capture a commanding 20-25% market share, showcasing their commitment to innovation, sustainability, and the enrichment of agricultural practices across India.
