The Rise of Tomato Farming as India’s Agribusiness Gem
Tomatoes have come a long way from being considered just a juicy vegetable in your salad to becoming one of the most profitable crops in Indian agriculture. Ranking second globally after potatoes, tomatoes have become the “Red gold of India”, making their presence known not just on our plates but also in our fields. In this blog, we’ll explore the thriving tomato industry in India, from soil preparation to harvesting and the many reasons why tomato farming is gaining popularity.
Botanically speaking, a tomato is a fruit, but we commonly treat it as a vegetable, whether it’s cooked or enjoyed fresh in salads. This versatile crop is not just tasty; it’s incredibly nutritious. Tomatoes are a rich source of vitamins A and C, packed with antioxidants, making them a valuable addition to your diet.
India has embraced tomato farming, with various states contributing significantly to its production. The major tomato-producing states include Bihar, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Orissa, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and West Bengal. In Punjab, districts like Amritsar, Ropar, Jalandhar, and Hoshiarpur have also joined the league of tomato growers.
Tomatoes can thrive in a variety of soil types, but they prefer well-drained soils with a pH value ranging from 7 to 8.5. Sandy loam, red soils, and medium black soils are considered ideal for tomato cultivation.
The road to a bountiful tomato harvest begins with soil preparation. Farmers should ensure the land is finely ploughed and leveled. During the last ploughing, adding decomposed cow dung and either Carbofuron (5 kg) or Neem cake (8 kg) per acre is crucial to prepare the soil effectively.
Sowing seeds for tomatoes are a crucial step. Before planting, it’s essential to solarize the soil for a month, eliminating harmful pathogens, pests, and organisms. This can be achieved by mulching the area with transparent plastic film, which absorbs radiation, increases soil temperature, and kills pathogens.
Tomato seeds can be sown on raised beds, approximately 80-90 cm wide and of convenient length. Mulching the bed before sowing and daily irrigation with Rose-Can in the morning are advisable. After 25-30 days, the seedlings are ready for transplantation. Watering the seedling beds 24 hours before transplanting ensures easy uprooting. For protection against bacterial wilt, seedlings can be dipped in a 100ppm Streptocycline solution for 5 minutes.
For efficient use of water and fertilizers in long-duration tomato cultivation, a spacing of 90×45 cm is recommended, particularly under drip irrigation systems. It’s also advisable to include one row of Marigold as a trap crop for every 16 rows.
Tomatoes thrive in a warm and cool climate with a moderate amount of sunlight and high humidity. The optimum temperature for fruit setting is between 15°C to 20°C.
Effective irrigation is crucial for achieving success in tomato farming. To optimize the irrigation process, several key considerations should be kept in mind. Firstly, it is important to avoid subjecting tomato plants to moisture stress during their vegetative growth phase. Additionally, introducing gaps in irrigation schedules in the early stages can encourage deeper root growth, which is beneficial for the plants. From the onset of flowering until the peak flowering stage (typically occurring around 35 to 38 days after planting), it is advisable to cease watering and then resume after the flowering period is complete. This tactic aids in supporting healthy flower and fruit development. Furthermore, maintaining adequate moisture levels during fruit development is vital for the overall health and productivity of the tomato plants. The frequency of irrigation should be adjusted according to the changing seasons, with shorter intervals during the hot summer months (approximately every 5-7 days) and longer gaps in the colder winter season (typically around 10-15 days). These guidelines are essential for ensuring the optimal growth and yield of tomato crops.
Weed control is crucial for tomato crops. Traditional methods include two hand hoeing sessions in the first and third fortnights after transplanting and an earthing-up operation during the seasonal fortnight. The use of pre-emergence herbicides such as metribuzin and fluchloralin has also proven effective in controlling weeds and increasing tomato yields. Pendimethalin is another pre-emergence herbicide that has shown promise in weed suppression.
Tomatoes are a favorite among farmers for various reasons. They are considered day-neutral crops, which means they can be grown in any season, making them a valuable addition to a farmer’s crop rotation. Their high demand in the market, both for fresh consumption and processed products, has made tomato farming a lucrative venture. Additionally, tomatoes can be intercropped with cereals, grains, and pulses, further maximizing land use.
In conclusion, tomatoes are more than just a staple in our diet; they are a booming agricultural business in India. Their adaptability to various climates, versatile growth, and high demand in the market make tomato farming an attractive option for Indian farmers. Whether you are a seasoned farmer or considering entering the world of agriculture, tomatoes offer a wealth of opportunities and the potential to strike gold in the vibrant Indian agribusiness scene.
