The tomato crop was first grown in the Peruvian region of South America. It is a vital commercial crop in India. Moreover, it is the second most important crop in the world after the potato. It can be eaten raw and cooked like a fruit. In addition, it is loaded with vitamins A, C, potassium and other minerals. It is also used to make juices, soups, powders and ketchup. Major crop production is done in Bihar, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Orissa, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal. In Punjab, this crop is grown in the districts of Amritsar, Ropar, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur etc.

Popular Varieties:

If we talk about the improved varieties of tomato, then there are many varieties in it. Like – Arka Saurabh, Arka Vikas, ARTH 3, ARTH 4, Avinash 2, BSS 90, Co. 3, HS 101, HM 102, HS 110, Selection 12, Hisar Anmol (H 24), Hisar Anmol (H 24) Hisar Arun (Selection 7), Hisar Lalima (Selection 7), Hisar Lalit (NT 8 ) Krishna, Hisar Lalima (Selection 18) KS 2, Matri, MTH 6 ), NA 601, Naveen, Pusa 120, Punjab Chuhara (EC 55055 X Punjab Tropic), Pant Bahar, Pusa Divya, Pusa Gaurav, Pusa Sankar 1, Pusa Sankar 4, Pusa Sankar 2, Pusa Ruby, Pusa Sheetal, Rajni, Rashmi, Pusa Uphaar, Ratna, Roma and Rupali etc.

Suitable Soil For Tomato 

This crop can be cultivated in different soil types like sandy, loamy, loamy, black, and red soil with the proper drainage system. It can be grown in well-drained sandy soil with good organic matter for its good yield. The pH of well-drained soil should be 7-8.5. However, it is also a crop capable of growing in acidic and saline soils. Therefore, do not cultivate in very acidic soil. Light soil is beneficial for an early harvest, whereas loamy, loamy and fine sandy soil is perfect for good yield.

Land Preparation

Good tillage and level soil is required for planting tomato plants. Ploughing should be done 4-5 times to make the soil friable, which can be efficiently done using the Mahindra 555 or any other powerful tractor. Then apply icing to level the soil. At the time of the last plough ploughing, apply good quality farm yard manure and Carbofiuron@4kg/acre or Neem cake@8kg/acre. The tomato crop is planted by making a bed whose width is 80-90 cm. it occurs. Leave the soil exposed to the sun’s rays to destroy the microbes, insects and organisms inside the soil. A layer of transparent polyethene can also be used for this purpose. This layer absorbs the sun’s rays, which increases the temperature of the soil and it helps in killing the microbes inside the soil.

Sowing Season

In northern states, tomato seedlings are sown in late November during spring and planted in the field in the second fortnight of January. Paneer is sown in the fall from July-August and planted in the field in August-September. In hilly areas, it is sown in March-April and planted in the field in April-May.

Weed Control For Crop Protection

After some time, do weeding and soil the roots. Keep the field weed free for 45 days. If weeds get out of control, it will reduce the yield by 70-90 percent. After 2-3 days of sowing, take a spray of Flucoralin@800ml/200Ltr of water as a pre-sowing weed killer. If weeds are growing early, take a spray of Sankar 300 gm/acre as weed killer. To control weeds and reduce the ground temperature, a layer of polythene can be used, and the Mahindra yuvo 575 can be utilised.

Irrigation Requirements

Irrigation at 6 to 7 days intervals in winter and 10-15 days in summer, depending on soil moisture. Too much water after soaking causes cracks in tomatoes. Irrigation is essential at the time of flowering. Lack of water at this time can cause flowers to drop, fruit and yield. According to many investigations, it has been found that half-inch irrigation every fortnight increases the root spread and also increases the yield.

Harvesting Process

Plants start bearing fruit 70 days after planting. The harvesting time depends on whether the fruits are to be transported to distant places or fresh fruits are to be sold in the market, etc. Ripe green tomatoes, of which 1/4th part is pink in colour, are used for transportation over long distances. Most fruits turn pink or red, but tomatoes with hard flesh can be sold in the nearby market. Fully ripe and soft fleshed tomatoes are used to make other products and to prepare seeds.

Post Harvesting

After harvesting, the tomatoes are sorted based on size. The tomatoes are then packed in bamboo baskets or wooden boxes. For long-distance storage, keep tomatoes cool to reduce the risk of spoilage. Products such as juice, syrup and ketchup are also prepared from fully ripe tomatoes.

Conclusion

So the above-mentioned details are the complete farm-to-table process of Tomato cultivation. And if this crop is grown with proper guidance and care, tomatoes will prove to be a good vegetable for you. Hope this blog has solved all your queries, and to read more about such farming processes, stay tuned with us.