Bokaro Steel Plant develops first of its kind agriculture steel

Bokaro: Bokaro Steel Plant (BSL), a unit of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), has achieved a significant breakthrough in supporting India's self-reliance by developing 28MnB5 grade manganese-boron steel, the first of its kind within SAIL. This specialised steel is engineered specifically for agricultural machinery and wear-resistant applications.

The plant, renowned for producing high-quality steel for railways, defence, shipbuilding, and space missions, has now channelled its technical expertise toward agriculture. "This innovation strengthens the backbone of rural India," said Manikant Dhan, chief of communication, BSL. "Our new Mn-B steel will make farm implements stronger, more durable, and truly Made in India."

The 28MnB5 grade steel combines high strength, hardness, and wear resistance through a unique metallurgical balance of medium carbon, manganese, boron, and chromium. It is ideal for manufacturing ploughshares, cultivator blades, disc harrows, shovels, digger claws, and equipment that endures constant stress in agricultural operations.

Since its development last year, BSL has supplied over 60,000 tonnes of this steel, with annual production projected to reach 80,000 tonnes. This innovation has created new market opportunities in agricultural and earth-moving equipment manufacturing while reducing import dependency.

“The development expands BSL's diverse product portfolio, which already serves critical national sectors including warship-grade steel (DMR-249A), solar applications, and food grain silos. Through such innovations, Bokaro Steel Plant team continues advancing Atmanirbhar Bharat by driving India's industrial and agricultural self-reliance,” said Dhan.