Tomato is the vegetable crop grown in all area of India. Because of its nutritional values and other characteristics it is most favourite vegetable for many people. Tomato is the rich source of Calcium, phosphorous and Vitamin C. It tests sour and has good medicinal properties for removal of acidity
Looking at the increasing demand, farmers can assume the benefits of cultivation of tomato. Taking care of some important things the farming of tomato can be highly profitable for farmers. We will discuss those important practices here by which we can take maximum benefit from the tomato cultivation.
Suitable Climate & land for tomato cultivation.
Climate- Although tomato is the day natural plant and can be grown across world but this crop is sensitive to frost. For sowing 15-20 degree Celsius temperature is most suitable. For growth and fruit setting the temperature may vary from 20-30 degree Celsius.
Soil- Tomato can be grown in variety of the soils but sandy loam & loam soils are the most suitable soils for growing of tomato. Standing water damage the crop so good drainage facility is required in the field.
Land Preparation and Fertilization
Before transplanting of the tomato there should be good land preparation. First ploughing done using MB plough and later two to three ploughings to be done by cultivator.
For the good cultivation of tomato we should apply 200-300 Quintals of FYM per hectare. With the FYM we should also apply 150 Kg Nitrogen, 80 Kg Phosphorous, and 80 Kg potash. Half of the Nitrogen and full of phosphorous and potash need to be applied at the time of field preparation.
Verities– Looking at the commercial viability we advise farmers to grow Hybrid seeds. The companies like Monsanto, Nunhems, Syngenta, Indo American etc are engaged in developing hybrid tomato seeds. Some of the good verities are Abhilash, Avinash, Abhinav, Saaho Shivam etc
Seed Rate– 40-60 Gm seed per acre is sufficient for tomato cultivation.
Nursery Preparation- Choose the place for the nursery where drainage facility is good, fresh air and sunlight is available. The nursery to be done on minimum 10 centimetre ridge beds which should be 1 meter wide and length can be taken according to situation.
Transplanting- Transplanting done after 25-30 Days of sowing. For the winters season crop nursery done in August and transplanted in the month of Sept. It will yield the crop in the month of Dec- Jan.
Disease & Pest
There are s as several pest and disease which attack on the tomato crop. Some of them are as follows.
Collar rot, blight, scab are the some diseases which reduces the productivity of the or may completely damage the tomato crop. Suitable fungicides used for the control of these diseases.
Pest- Termite, fruit borer, trips, white flies etc are some of the pest which damages the tomato crop. For the control of these pest in time is must.
We will bring a separate article for the disease and pest control in tomato.
