Bokaro Steel Plant Develops 28MnB5 Manganese-Boron Steel for Farm Equipment

• The Bokaro Steel Plant (BSL), a unit of the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), has achieved a major technological breakthrough with the development of 28MnB5 grade manganese-boron steel — the first of its kind within SAIL. The new grade is tailored for agricultural machinery and wear-resistant applications, representing an important step toward India’s industrial and agricultural self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Breakthrough in Agricultural Steel

• The 28MnB5 grade steel combines medium carbon, manganese, boron, and chromium , resulting in high hardness, strength, and abrasion resistance. These properties make it ideal for agricultural tools such as ploughshares, cultivator blades, disc harrows, shovels, and digger claws , which face heavy mechanical stress in soil operations. Since its introduction in 2024, BSL has already supplied over 60,000 tonnes of this steel, and annual production is projected to reach 80,000 tonnes .

Boost to Self-Reliant Agriculture

• According to BSL’s Chief of Communication, Manikant Dhan, the new steel will make Indian-made farm implements stronger, longer-lasting, and cost-effective. The innovation reduces India’s dependence on imported wear-resistant steel, directly supporting the Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India missions. The improved durability of machinery is expected to enhance productivity in the agricultural sector while reducing long-term maintenance costs for farmers and manufacturers.

Wider Industrial Applications

• Beyond agriculture, 28MnB5 steel is suitable for earth-moving equipment, mining tools, and heavy industrial machinery . Its exceptional resistance to wear and deformation offers manufacturers a reliable domestic alternative to costly imports. Industry experts note that the new grade meets international metallurgical standards, paving the way for potential exports in the global farm and construction equipment markets.

Expanding SAIL’s Innovation Portfolio

• This innovation adds to Bokaro Steel Plant’s advanced product line, which already includes warship-grade DMR-249A steel , solar application steel , and grain silo materials . With the addition of 28MnB5, BSL continues to strengthen its position as a key contributor to India’s industrial growth, rural development, and technology-driven steel production.

Exam-Oriented Facts:

• 28MnB5 is SAIL’s first manganese-boron steel grade.

• Developed by Bokaro Steel Plant for agriculture and wear-resistant applications.

• Composition: manganese, boron, chromium, and medium carbon.

• Production target: 80,000 tonnes annually.

• Supports Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India.