Tomato is one of India’s most important vegetable crops and is grown in almost every state. Prices can swing sharply, so good planning and crop care matter. Here is a guide based on advice from ICAR institutes like the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Bengaluru, and the Indian Institute of Vegetable Research (IIVR), Varanasi.
Seasons
Tomato can be grown in different seasons depending on the region:
- In the north Indian plains, there are autumn winter and spring summer crops. The spring summer crop is usually transplanted after the coldest weeks, with protection against frost.
- In south and west India, with milder winters, tomato is grown through much of the year.
Follow the calendar suggested by your state agricultural university.
Varieties and hybrids
ICAR institutes and private companies offer many varieties and hybrids. Some IIHR hybrids, such as those in the Arka series, carry resistance to multiple diseases, including leaf curl virus and bacterial wilt. Choose ones suited to your season and market.
Nursery
- Raise seedlings in pro trays with sterile growing media, or on raised beds.
- Protect seedlings from whitefly with insect proof nets.
- Seedlings are ready to transplant in about four weeks.
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Transplanting
Transplant healthy seedlings in the evening on ridges or raised beds, and water them right away.
Staking
Staking or trellising keeps plants and fruits off the ground. This reduces disease, improves fruit quality and makes picking easier.
Nutrition and irrigation
- Apply manure and fertiliser based on a soil test.
- Drip irrigation with fertigation saves water and fertiliser and improves yields.
- Avoid irregular watering, which can cause fruit cracking.
Pests and diseases
- Tomato leaf curl virus: spread by whitefly. Use resistant hybrids, yellow sticky traps and nets in the nursery.
- Early and late blight: leaf spots and rotting in humid weather.
- Bacterial wilt: sudden wilting of plants.
- Fruit borer: damages fruits. Use pheromone traps and recommended measures.
Follow integrated pest management and observe safety intervals before picking.
Harvest
Pick fruits at the breaker stage, when colour starts to change, for distant markets, and at full red stage for local sale.
Price swings and support
Tomato prices often rise and fall steeply. The government’s Operation Greens scheme aims to stabilise supply of tomato, onion and potato through support for storage, processing and transport. Track prices on Agmarknet and e-NAM to plan sales.
Bottom line
Healthy seedlings, staking, drip irrigation and early control of whitefly and blight are the keys to profitable tomato farming.
Source / स्रोत: ICAR Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, ICAR Indian Institute of Vegetable Research, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
