The trials were conducted to reveal the scope for utilization of Pongamia biodiesel blends in a 50 hp agricultural tractor (2WD Mahindra 585DI) for tillage operations. The blends were prepared on volume basis in proportions of 20:80, 40:60 and 60:40 and designated as B20, B40, and B60 compared with petro-diesel (B0). The specific draft, drawbar power, fuel consumption and fuel efficiency of the tractor at three selected forward speeds viz., 2.5, 3.5 and 4.5 km h-1 were assessed during tillage operations. The carbon monoxide (CO) and oxides of nitrogen (NOX) emissions were analysed using exhaust gas analyzer. Results showed that the specific draft and drawbar power of tractor were not affected by the blends but significantly affected by the forward speed. The blends and forward speed of operation affected both the fuel consumption and fuel efficiency significantly. The rate of increase in the emission levels of CO and NOX were the direct function of forward speed. The emission level of CO decreased with the blends of biodiesel while, the NOX emissions increased with the increase in biodiesel blends. Higher fuel consumption and NOX emission were observed for B40 and B60 blends, whereas lower fuel efficiency was found for the blends beyond B20 that was attributable to the lower energy content of the biodiesel. Among the blends tested, B20 had very similar performance with petro diesel in terms of specific draft, drawbar power and exhaust gas emission. Hence, B20 blend of Pongamia biodiesel with petro diesel may be recommended to use in agricultural tractor for tillage operations.