Tomato Farming: Tomato is cultivated on a large scale in India. It is possible to produce 800-1200 quintals of tomato in one hectare of land. Cultivation can be done in different types of soil. Cultivation is done twice a year in North India. Farmers can earn good profits by cultivating tomato.
Tomatoes can be grown on a variety of soils, including sandy loam, clay, red and black soils. The type of soil can affect tomato production, but proper drainage is essential for all soil types. Tomato cultivation in North India takes place twice a year. The first cultivation starts from July-August and continues till February-March. The second cultivation runs from November-December to June-July.
Farmers get high profit in tomato cultivation. 800-1200 quintals of production is possible in one hectare, which provides more profit than the cost. Up to Rs 15 lakh can be earned by cultivating one hectare. 500 grams of seeds are required per hectare for normal tomatoes and 250-300 grams of seeds are required for hybrid tomatoes.
What is needed for good crops
In tomato cultivation, nursery is prepared from seeds. In a month, nursery plants are ready to be planted in the fields. In winter, crops should be irrigated at an interval of 6-7 days and in summer at an interval of 10-15 days depending on the moisture of the soil. This is necessary to keep the crops healthy and for good yield. Tomato is a warm climate vegetable which is cultivated in cold weather. 21 to 23 degree temperature is considered favorable for its successful production.
Transplantation
- The seeds become ready for transplantation 20-25 days after sowing.
- Prepare the beds for transplanting.
- Plant the seedlings at a distance of 60 cm.
Fertilizer
- Add 20-25 tonnes of cow dung manure per hectare to the field.
- Use chemical fertilizers based on soil testing.
These are the major producing states
Bihar, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal etc.