Guidance on Tomato Farming and Management

Tomato cultivation in India is one of the most successful agribusinesses. It is the second most important crop of the world after potato. Fruits are eaten fresh or cooked and contain vitamins like ‘A’ and ‘C’ enhanced with antioxidants in wealth. Due to these advantages, tomato demand continues high during the year.  

Benefits of growing tomato 

• Short duration vegetable crop.
• Tomatoes can be grown in both conditions outdoors as well as indoor.
• Tomato cultivation is well-fitted in various cropping systems of cereals, grains, pulses and oilseeds.
• Cultivation gives more yields hence high economic value.
• Tomatoes are nutritionally relevant for their high metal and vitamin content.
• Tomato is used extensively in several prepared items, prepared on a large scale for consumption and export.

Climate Conditions for Tomato farming

The temperature range of this crop, 10-25 °C, is considered ideal for tomato cultivation. The perfect sowing temperature is 10-15 °C, joined with 400-600 mm rainfall. The best variety tomato, red in colour, is produced at 21-24 °C temperature.  

Soil Requirements & Land Preparation 

Tomato grows very well on many soils, but it grows incredibly well on deep, well-drained soils with good drainage facilities. Sandy loam, red soils and medium black soils are recognized as most suitable for tomato cultivation. For good yield, the pH of soil must be at 7-8.5.  

For tomato plantation, land can be prepared to a fine tilth by thorough ploughing 4-5 times and levelling. At the time of the last ploughing, add decomposed cow dung and Carbofuran (5kg) or Neem cake (8kg), per acre, for optimal soil preparation. 

For performing such tasks in a field, there are various types of tractors. However, the Mahindra 585 tractor model is the best option for Agri based tasks. And it gives durability to perform different kinds of farming operations. 

Transplanting & Management 

Before planting, soil solarization must be taken out for one month to ruin the contaminated soil-borne pathogen, pest, and plant. Next, tomato seeds can be grown on lifted beds of 80-90 cm width and convenient length. After setting, cover the bed with mulch, sprinkle the bed with Rose-Can daily in the day.  

Seedling is available for transplantation 25-30 days after sowing. Water seedling beds 24 hours before removing so that seedlings can be easily uprooted. To preserve the crop from bacterial wilt, dip seedlings in 100 ppm Streptocycline solution for 5 minutes before removing. 

Sowing of Tomato 

India’s main tomato producing states are Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Orissa, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal. 

In Punjab, mainly state Jalandhar, Amritsar, Ropar, Hoshiarpur are tomato growing districts. 

Time of sowing: For northern states, tomato farming for the season done in late November and transplanted in the second fortnight of January. For the autumn crop, sowing done in July – August and reset in August – September. In hilly areas, sowing done in March- April and transplantation in April -May.

Spacing: Depending upon the kind sowed and its growth habit, spacing of 60×30 cm or 75×60 cm or 75×75 cm should be reported. In Punjab, for dwarf variety, use the spacing of 75 x 30 cm and for the rainy season, use the spacing of 120-150 x 30 cm.

Sowing depth: In the nursery, seeds sown at a depth of 4cm and then covered with soil.  

Irrigation Requirements 

Tomatoes require irrigation that is just enough at the right time, and thus it is necessary to maintain an even moisture amount to the crop. During the summer season, watering every 5 to 7 days required, whereas in winter, a 10 to 15 days interval.  

In the vast area of farming, tractors play a vital role to irrigate crops. A high-performance Mahindra 575 tractor model is good. And also provide productive agriculture. 

In India, Hybrid Varieties of Tomato 

Hybrid is a cross between the two popular varieties. This way, the kind produced carries the features of both the parent variety. As a result, the plants grown from these hybrid varieties show better quality and resistance towards diseases and climates, with excellent products. 

Pusa Rohini

In 2005 The Indian Agricultural Research Institute was first introduced. The tomato of this variety can stay fresh for longer times. The average yield of this tomato variety is 412 quintal/hectare. Pusa Rohini varieties of tomato are medium in size and have smooth thick skin, red. 

Pusa Upahar

The veggie of this variety is round and medium in size and with a solid pulp. The tomato of this variety is borne in groups and bears around 3-5 fruits in each. The Pusa Upahar is also an entrance from IARI in the year 1996.  The expected yield of this variety is about 370 quintal/hectare.

Arka Saurabh

Arka Saurabh is a medium yielding variety of tomatoes by IIHR, Bangalore. The average per hectare production ranges from 380 quintals. They are firm, round in form, and have a thick pulp and are dug at the apex. 

HS-101

The variety is an introduction from Hisar, in the year 1975. The tomato of this variety is round and medium in size. Those shoots bear fruits in clusters of 3-4 each. This tomato variety is suitable for cultivation in the winter season.

Punjab Chauraha

Punjab Chauraha variety of tomato introduced by Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, in 1981. The fruits pear-shaped, have significantly fewer seeds, and are sweeter than the other tomato variety.

Pusa Sadabahar

In 2004, Another variety of tomatoes which the Indian Agricultural Research Institute introduced. Pusa Sadabahar cultivar provides higher yields of tomatoes. The fruits are oval and have bright skin with a bright red colour.

Arka Vishal

With a standard yield of 750 quintal/hectare, this variety from IIHR, Banglore, becomes one of the high yielding cultivars of tomatoes. The tomatoes of this variety are firm and round, with a deep red colour. Moreover, these fruits are resistant to fruit cracking.

Punjab Kesari

Punjab Kesari was first produced in 1987. It is an early growing variety of tomatoes. The fruits are immune to cracking and offer excellent shelf life.

Arka Vardhan

The bulbs of this cultivar bear flat round fruits that are dark red. This variety immune to nematodes and also produced by IIHR, Bangalore.

Arka Shreshtha

An intro from the India Institute of Horticultural Research, Bangalore. Veggie of this cultivar has a more meaningful shelf life. The variety gives an average yield of 700 quintal/hectare, and the weight of the fruits is around 60-70 grams each.

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