New Delhi, Feb. 13 -- India is in the advanced stages of finalising the next phase of emission norms for tractors and may delay the rollout of the stricter rules for models in the 25-75 horsepower (hp) range, following lobbying by manufacturers who have argued that tighter standards could raise compliance costs and make these machines more expensive for small farmers, two industry executives aware of the matter said.

Faridabad-based Escorts Kubota chief financial officer Bharat Madan told Mint that the industry has held meetings with the Union ministry of agriculture, and final recommendations have been submitted to the ministry of road transport and highways (MoRTH). Manufacturers expect a relaxation in the emission norms, which are now...