(AUGA/NGV Journal) In autumn 2021, the organic food producer AUGA group, AB introduced the world’s first biomethane and electric tractor – the AUGA M1 − for professional use. This year, the company, together with one of the strongest agricultural machinery manufacturers in the region, Akcinė bendrovė Rokiškis Machine Factory, begins to prepare the production of the first batch of the tractors. AUGA plans to start using the tractors on farms belonging to them in the second half of 2022.
“Over the past half year, we have been actively testing prototypes on our farms. For faster technology development and to get the tractors doing real work as quickly as possible, we have enlarged our team of engineers, which has more than tripled in size during this period,” said Kęstutis Juščius, CEO of AUGA.
Active testing of the tractor is still ongoing so that the engineering team can gather as much data as possible and ensure a smooth production process for the first batch. “The recent tests have led to even more technical knowledge and improvements in the technology. Successful test results allowed us to take a new step – to start preparation of production of the first batch together with Akcinė bendrovė Rokiškis Machine Factory. The frames of the tractors are already now being constructed, and the components that are needed for manufacturing are already on their way to Lithuania,” said Juščius.
The agreement with Akcinė bendrovė Rokiškis Machine Factory for the contract production of the hybrid tractors was signed by AUGA at the end of last year. The factory in Lithuania has many years of experience in the production of agricultural machinery and metal processing.
“We have the production base, capacity, and experience to implement this project. We are delighted to be involved in bringing promising new technologies to life. Innovation is essential for agricultural, since the whole world is concerned about the sector’s environmental impact and now one of the technologies that is needed is starting to be produced in Lithuania,” said Rimgaudas Kilas, CEO of Akcinė bendrovė Rokiškis Machinery Factory.
Biomethane hybrid tractors are a first step for AUGA in developing sustainable technologies for the agricultural sector. The company and its’ subsidiaries are currently developing other technologies that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions from soil due to organic fertilization and crop residues and from cattle digestion processes.
It is expected that 2022 will be year of technological breakthrough for AUGA. In addition to putting the hybrid tractors to work on farms, the company plans this year to launch biomethane production and complete the testing of specialized feed technology. READ MORE
