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In district Kangra more than 70% of the cultivated area is rainfed and the cereal based cropping system, maize- wheat, is predominantly prevalent. Average rainfall during rainy season is hovering around 200 cm, out of which more than 70% is received from July to September. Monsoons are generally received in the 2nd fortnight of June, which is followed by the sowing of maize crop. Average returns per hectare from maize- wheat cropping sequence varies from Rs.15000-20000/ha. As a result, farmers of these regions were approaching ATMA / KVK for switching over to more profitable crops. ATMA KVK Kangra with active collaboration of Deptt. Of Agriculture conducted demonstrations on tomato maize crop growing areas in different AESs.. Tomato being deep-rooted crop easily harnesses the residual moisture after the recede of monsoons thereby resulted in availability of fruits from September onwards. 

Intervention and process:                                                                  Back to Top

                The work on this issue was actually started in Kharif, 2001 in 10 FIGs by conducting on-farm trials demonstration to identify the suitable varieties of hybrid and to standardize complete production technology for getting higher yield and returns per unit area. The assessment trial of improved varieties/hybrids viz. F1Rupali, F1 Nidhi,  F17711, Palam Pink including traditionally grown varieties of namely Punjab Kesari locally known as Palami Gola were conducted and different yield parameters were recorded for identifying more suitable genotypes for the area. It was ascertained that promising hybrid F1Rupali, F1 Nidhi, F17711 recorded increased yield to the tune of 50-60% as compared to the local check. Sh. Ajit Singh, Sh. Karan Singh of SukaBaag and Sh. Ramesh of Gheen (Duhru) of Kangra Block were instrumental to adopt and further disseminate the technology in the adjoining area. These innovative farmers earned a handsome return worth Rs. 65000-70000/ annum whereas prior to this intervention they were getting Rs. 15000-20000/ha hardly. The exposure visits of other such areas were also conducted to the sites. In the subsequent year, farmers/FIG/WIGs from this region adopted this intervention in a big way not only by replacing the traditional crop but also by replacing the old indiscriptive tomato varieties in Maize growing area during raining season as a rainfed tomato crop under ATMA. The BTT and KVK organized 25 farmers training camp, exposure visit and Group interaction meetings for fast adoption of this intervention. Presently more than 50 FIGs have been formed and thereby benefiting 1000 farmers and earning good returns as compare to the traditional crops.

Benefits                                                                                               Back to Top

 Adoption of tomato-wheat cropping sequence resulted in additional income of Rs.75000-80000 per ha. Initially this technology was adopted by 10 FIGs but in the subsequent years there has been fast spread as more than 50 FIGs have successfully adopted this sequence thereby covering a area of more than 80 ha in the district and the farmers of other rainfed maize growing areas are keen to adopt this diversification / intervention from maize crop to rainfed tomato crop on large scale in future.The produce of the plaines as well as from Punjab is over by ending of the September whereas the availability of this crop starts thereafter, thereby finds ready market as an off -season crop

The following factors significantly contributed in the fast adoption of this technology:

• Tomato being deep-rooted crop can easily harness the residual moisture from September onwards and good plant standard is maintained up to November without any irrigation requirement.

• Being off season crop finds ready market.

• Manifold returns as compared to the traditional cropping sequences

• Low incidence of diseases and pest during fruiting period.

  Tomato Crop At Harvesting Stage	Chairman ATMA interacting on bumper rainfed Tomato of FIGs Sukha Baag

Lesson Learned                                                                      Back toTop

·     Diversification towards cash crops like tomato can easily replace traditional crop like maize in rainfed area too. 

·    There is urgent need to develop leaf curl resistant varieties since the leaf curl incidence is prevalent during the season. 

·       Fruiting period can be enhanced by providing life saving irrigation in the month of November/ December. 

·       For this purpose rain water harvesting structures like polylined harvesting and roof water harvesting structures are required to be constructed on priority. 

·        Bio control methods are required to be popularized for safe consumption.

Bio-control against tomato fruit borer	Tomato crop at Harvesting Stage

Replication Process                                                                        Back to Top

               In view of the higher returns per unit area FIGs have shown keen interest in the adoption of this technology. In order to sustain this intervention on profitable and sustainable basis consistent technical support is being rendered by the KVK and BTTs under ATMA by way of conducting training camps, exposure visits, demonstrations and market led extension workshop.

Case Study                                                                                       Back to Top

 Initiation:

• The net returns from the traditional crop during kharif season was  very low.

•  Possibility for diversification to other remunerative crop like tomato, okra, chillies was explored.

•  Tomato was identified as most remunerative being off season under rainfed situation.

•  Awareness /training camps, exposure visits and demonstrations were organized  and emphasis were given to form the FIGs/WIGs for the adoption of this technology.

Current Situation:

• More than 50 FIGs/WIGs have adopted this practices successfully and are getting net returns to the tune of  Rs.60000-70000/ha as compare to Rs. 10000-15000/ha from traditional crops.

• Being off season crop, ready market is available within the district and neighboring state at remunerative returns.

• Regular trainings  for skill upgradation and strengthening of the group are being organized by KVK and BTT to sustain this intervention.  

• Emphasis will be given to spread this technology in other suitable areas by way of forming FIG/WIGs.

•  Suitable variety with high degree of resistance against leaf curl virus will be identified and popularized for their adoption.

•  Specific training on post harvesting handling and value addition will be organized for WIGs and FIGs for getting good returns.