Tomato farming tips in Maharashtra - how to grow and harvest tomatoes

Tomato farming in Maharashtra can be highly rewarding due to the favorable climate and soil conditions in the region. Here are some tomato farming tips specific to Maharashtra:

1. Selecting the Right Variety: Choose tomato varieties that are well-suited for the Maharashtra climate. Look for heat-tolerant and disease-resistant varieties to ensure better yield and reduced risk of losses. Some of the varieties that can be used in Rainy season are namdhari 1068, clouse 225, saminose Aryaman and Virang. Some of the varieties that can be used in Summer are Sijanta 1057 and 6242, Namdhari 1754, Clouse Amol 83

2. Preparation of Land: Prepare the land by plowing and leveling it properly. Ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can be a problem during the monsoon season. Black soil is recommended in summer.

3. Season and Planting: In Maharashtra, tomatoes are grown in both the Kharif (monsoon) and Rabi (winter) seasons. The ideal time for Kharif planting is between June and July, while Rabi planting can be done from October to December.

4. Seed Treatment: Treat tomato seeds with Trichoderma or Pseudomonas to protect against soil-borne diseases and improve germination.

5. Spacing and Planting Density: Proper spacing is essential to allow adequate air circulation and sunlight penetration. 5 feet distance between 2 rows of plants and 2 ft disance between each sapling in a row is necessary for good growth.

6. Fertilization: Conduct a soil test to determine the nutrient requirements of your soil. Provide balanced fertilization with appropriate amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Use organic manure, compost, and well-decomposed cow dung to enrich the soil. It's important to know the PH of soil before selecting fertilizers.

7. Irrigation: Proper irrigation is crucial for tomato farming. Drip irrigation is recommended as it conserves water and helps prevent disease spread. Avoid over-watering to prevent waterlogging.

8. Mulching: Mulch the soil around tomato plants with organic materials like straw or plastic mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth. Mulching paper also prevents weeds, water wastage and diseases.

9. Support System: Install stakes or trellises to support the tomato plants as they grow. This helps improve air circulation, reduce the risk of diseases, and makes harvesting easier. Cross style support (trellis) is required for plants as they can grow upto the height of 9 ft.

10. Pest and Disease Management: Regularly monitor your plants for pests and diseases. Use integrated pest management (IPM) techniques to control pests, including the use of biopesticides and neem-based products. Practice crop rotation to reduce disease buildup in the soil.

11. Pruning: For indeterminate varieties, practice regular pruning to remove suckers and excess growth. This helps focus plant energy on fruit production and improves air circulation.

12. Harvesting: Harvest tomatoes when they are fully ripe, as they do not ripen after picking. Pick them carefully to avoid damaging the fruit.

You can harvest upto 40-50 tons (40*1000 kg) in 1 acre. If you consider 10 RS per kg rate, you can earn upto 4 lakh per acre less cost.