Punni Tohana History: A Journey from 1959 to 2025
Introduction
Punni Tohana History is a remarkable story of innovation and perseverance in the agricultural machinery industry. Since 1959, the company has revolutionized farming in India, progressing from crude oil engines to advanced agricultural equipment.
The Beginning (1959 – 1962)
In 1959, Punni Tohana started producing large crude oil engines. These 10HP engines were widely used for extracting water from borewells and operating flour mills. Each engine ran for an hour using just one liter of crude oil. However, government policies offering free electricity to farmers reduced demand, causing financial difficulties for the company.
Expansion into Agricultural Machinery (1962 – 1982)
To overcome challenges, founder Sardar Karam Singh Punni and his son, Chairman Sardar Bant Singh Punni, shifted to agricultural machinery. By 1962, they introduced their first toka machine for cutting fodder. Soon after, the toka thresher was developed, operating on electricity or tractors, benefiting wheat farmers.
By 1976, the toka machine became so popular that the company officially branded it as ‘Punni.’ The business was officially registered on April 13, 1982, coinciding with Chairman Bant Singh Punni’s birthday.
Rise with the Haramba Thresher (1983 – 2000)
In 1983, Punni launched India’s first haramba thresher, marking a turning point for the company. This product ended financial struggles and led to rapid growth. The introduction of the Straw Reaper in 2000 further strengthened Punni’s position as a leading agricultural brand.
Introduction of Multi-Crop Thresher & Family Expansion (2005 – 2009)
With labor shortages rising, Punni introduced India’s first back-tocky multi-crop thresher in 2005. The farming community widely appreciated this innovation. During this period, the leadership expanded as founder Sardar Karam Singh Punni’s three sons—Chairman Bant Singh Punni, Mahender Singh Punni, and Manga Singh Punni—took active roles in the company.
In 2007, Manga Singh Punni left to start his own company, MM Punni. Despite internal changes, the chairman’s sons—Baldev Singh Punni, Bahadur Singh Punni, and Deep Singh Punni—joined the company to ensure continued growth.
Innovation & Growth (2009 – 2014)
In 2009, Punni launched the Laser Land Leveler, which quickly became a market success. That same year, the company began R&D on India’s first combine harvester capable of producing bhusa (chaff).
Unfortunately, founder Sardar Karam Singh Punni passed away in 2010, slowing progress briefly. However, by 2012, Punni set a national record for the highest thresher sales, becoming a household name among farmers. The departure of Mahender Singh Punni in 2014 led to the establishment of his own venture, VS Punni.
Expanding Dealerships & Introducing the Grain Cruiser (2014 – 2016)
Despite internal transitions, Punni launched its Rotavator in 2014 and appointed 25 new dealers. In 2015, the company completed R&D for the Grain Cruiser combine harvester. The tractor-mounted ‘Punni Grain Cruiser Go Green’ was launched on January 13, 2016, receiving overwhelming farmer support.
Technology Advancements & Industry Leadership (2018 – 2020)
In 2018, Punni upgraded the Grain Cruiser Go Green with a powerful 90HP engine to meet labor-efficient farming demands. Additionally, the company introduced the back-to-back multi-crop thresher in 2019, providing farmers with an alternative to manual harvesting.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 brought unprecedented challenges. During the lockdown, Punni actively contributed to relief efforts. Chairman Bant Singh Punni contracted the virus and was hospitalized in Gurgaon for months before recovering.
Meeting New Agricultural Challenges (2020 – 2023)
To address government regulations against stubble burning, Punni launched India’s first fully gear-driven Super Seeder in September 2020. This product saw great success, with over 2,000 units sold in Haryana alone.
The Punni Legend model, introduced in 2021, gained widespread appreciation. By 2023, the company upgraded the Grain Cruiser Go Green to ‘Punni Grain Cruiser Plus’ with a powerful Ashok Leyland 133HP engine. This upgrade shattered previous sales records, making 2023-24 the most successful year in the company’s history.
Punni Tohana History in 2025 and Beyond
As of January 2025, Punni Group continues to dominate the agricultural machinery market. Within the first month, the company already surpassed previous sales records. On January 31, 2025, Chairman Bant Singh Punni celebrated this milestone, reaffirming Punni’s industry leadership.
With continuous innovation, farmer-friendly machinery, and a commitment to excellence, Punni Tohana History remains at the forefront of agricultural technology, empowering farmers across India.
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