Tomato Farming Business Idea: If you’re a farmer looking to cultivate a crop that offers huge profits, we have a great business idea for you. By cultivating tomatoes, you can earn significant profits. This is the perfect time to start tomato cultivation, as tomato seeds are typically sown in July-August. Currently, the retail price of tomatoes ranges between Rs 100-120. In this article, we will guide you through the complete process of how you can make money from this business.
Best Time to Cultivate Tomatoes
Tomato cultivation can be done throughout the year. However, most farmers in North India plant tomatoes twice a year. The first crop is planted in July-August, which lasts until February-March. The second crop is planted in November-December, which lasts until June-July.
Preparing the Nursery for Tomatoes
To cultivate tomatoes, the first step is to prepare a nursery. You can use a seedling tray or plant directly on the ground. A seedling tray is preferable as it is easy to move. Additionally, when the plants are transplanted after 1 to 1.5 months, they experience less transplant shock. If the roots are disturbed during transplanting, the plants may dry up in a few days.
Supporting the Plants
For one hectare (2.5 acres) of land, you will plant about 15,000 tomato plants. In about 2 to 3 months, the fruits will begin to appear, and the harvest will continue for 9 to 10 months. To ensure a good yield, support the plants by tying them to bamboo poles with wire. This helps provide better air circulation, making it easier to pick the fruits and spray pesticides.
Cost and Profit Analysis
The cost of tomato cultivation for one hectare is as follows:
- Seed cost: Rs 40,000-50,000
- Bamboo and wire: Rs 70,000-75,000
- Mulching paper: Rs 20,000-25,000
- Labour and ploughing: Additional costs
- Total cost: Rs 2.5 lakh to Rs 3 lakh.
If everything goes well, you can expect a yield of 25-30 tons of tomatoes. If you sell the tomatoes at just Rs 20 per kg, you can earn Rs 5-6 lakh, depending on weather conditions and market demand.
Important Tips for Successful Cultivation
- Plough the soil two to three times before planting.
- Ensure the soil is rich in nutrients.
- Add cow dung manure or other fertilizers before transplanting.
- Prevent rainwater from stagnating in the field, as it may damage the plants.
- Use high-quality seeds for a bumper harvest.
- Regularly spray insecticides on the plants to protect them.