From bustling markets to rural farms, tomatoes have emerged as a cornerstone of India's agricultural landscape and a part of our homes. Against this backdrop, INDAM's introduction of the pioneering Hybrid Tomato Rashmi marks a significant stride forward, promising to redefine cultivation practices and bolster farmer livelihoods.
You see, India's tomato industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, with over 4.97 lakh hectares dedicated to tomato cultivation, making up 7.3% of the total cropped area under vegetables. Annually, India produces 16,826.38 thousand tons of tomatoes, placing it third globally behind China and the US. Over the last decade, India has witnessed a remarkable surge in tomato production, cementing its position as a key player in the global market.
Nashik emerges as the central hub for tomato production and distribution in India. Pimpalgaon, a region within Nashik, serves major markets such as Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Haryana, and also exports to Bangladesh and Pakistan. Other significant tomato-producing regions include Narayangaon near Pune, Beed, and Pusegaon. Narayangaon alone boasts 18,000 acres dedicated to tomato cultivation, yielding approximately 1,400 tonnes daily. Pimpalgaon contributes significantly with around 40,000 hectares under tomato plantation, its season extending from June to September and further until November-December. The Nashik district consistently sees around 1.25 lakh hectares under tomato cultivation annually.
Recognising the immense potential of the tomato market, we at INDAM introduced the innovative hybrid tomato variety, Rashmi. This new variety offers several key benefits for farmers, addressing their current agricultural needs:
- Robust growth with vibrant green foliage
- Uniform, attractive red oblong to oval fruits, weighing 95-100 grams each
- Medium maturity period
- Firm fruits ideal for long-distance transportation
- High fruit load and yield, outstanding uniformity
- Good tolerance to rainfall, leaf diseases, and TOLCV
To introduce Hybrid Tomato Rashmi to key markets, we undertook the following activities:
We at INDAM are ambitiously planning to launch Hybrid Tomato Rashmi in all major markets across India. With its superior traits and robust promotional strategy, this hybrid variety is set to transform tomato farming, offering farmers a profitable and reliable option. The introduction of Hybrid Tomato Rashmi marks a significant milestone in India's tomato market, and INDAM is optimistic about its potential to meet the needs and expectations of the farming community, ultimately enhancing their profitability.