🍅 Tomato Cultivation Methods in India – 2025 Guide

India is one of the world’s largest producers of tomatoes, with regions like Kolar (Karnataka) leading the way in high-yield and export-quality production.

This guide from Kolar Red Gold shares proven tomato cultivation methods in India to help farmers and agri-businesses maximize yield, reduce cost, and improve fruit quality.

📍 Best Regions for Tomato Farming in India

  • Kolar, Karnataka
  • Nashik, Maharashtra
  • Madanapalle, Andhra Pradesh
  • Solan, Himachal Pradesh
  • Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
  • Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu

🌱 Step-by-Step Tomato Cultivation Process

1. Seed Selection

Choose high-yield hybrid varieties like:

  • Arka Rakshak
  • Pusa Rohini
  • Abhinav
  • Namdhari 2535

Seeds should be disease-resistant and suitable for your climate.

2. Land Preparation

  • Plough soil 2–3 times to make it fine and aerated
  • Maintain pH between 6.0–7.5
  • Add FYM (farmyard manure) at 20–25 tons/acre
  • Raised beds or ridges for good drainage

3. Nursery Raising

  • Use a polyhouse or net shade to raise seedlings
  • Transplant when 20–25 days old
  • Treat seeds with fungicide (Carbendazim or Trichoderma)

4. Transplanting

  • Spacing: 60 x 45 cm or 90 x 60 cm (depending on variety)
  • Transplant during evening for better survival
  • Use drip irrigation or furrow method

5. Irrigation

  • Drip irrigation saves water & increases yield
  • Water every 5–7 days in early stages
  • Increase frequency during flowering/fruiting

6. Fertilizer Management

  • Basal dose: NPK (12:32:16)
  • Top dressing: Urea & Potash after 30 days
  • Use bio-fertilizers like Azospirillum and Phosphobacteria

7. Pest & Disease Control

Common issues:

  • Fruit borer
  • Leaf curl virus
  • Early blight

Control tips:

  • Neem oil spray (natural)
  • Install pheromone traps
  • Use approved pesticides only when needed

8. Staking & Pruning

  • Tie plants to bamboo or plastic stakes
  • Remove lower yellow leaves to prevent disease
  • Improves fruit quality and airflow

9. Harvesting

  • Ready in 60–90 days depending on variety
  • Pick when tomatoes are red or pink (export prefers semi-ripe)
  • Harvest every 3–5 days to maximize profit

📦 Average Yield in India

  • Open Field: 25–35 tonnes/acre
  • Drip + Hybrid: Up to 50 tonnes/acre
  • Protected Cultivation (Polyhouse): Up to 80 tonnes/acre

💰 Tomato Farming Profitability

Cost/acre (₹)Return/acre (₹)
₹35,000–₹60,000₹1,00,000–₹2,00,000+

Profit margins depend on market rates, season, and cultivation method.

📞 Get Expert Help from Kolar Red Gold

We help farmers & agri-entrepreneurs with:

  • Fresh tomato procurement
  • Market linkage & export support
  • Bulk seed & farming consultation

📌 Company: Kolar Red Gold
🌐 Website: https://kolarredgold.in
📩 Contact: Get in Touch
📍 Based in: Kolar, Karnataka – India’s Tomato Hub