The Indian Institute of Horticultural Research has developed two tomato hybrids, exclusively meant for the processing industry. These hybrids – Arka Vishesh and Arka Apeksha – are disease-resistant and are expected to not only boost farmers’ incomes through higher yields but are also aimed at reducing processing costs because of higher total soluble solids (TSS) and lycopene content.
“It is for the first time tomato hybrids have been developed for the processing industry,” said AT Sadashiva, who led a team of scientists at IIHR to work on these hybrids over a five-year period.
Higher yield potential
Farmers can be assured of a minimum 25 per cent increase in yields at 50 tonnes per hectare, while the potential exists to harvest up to 100 tonnes per hectare under precision agriculture using drip irrigation, Sadashiva said. Existing hybrids give a minimum yield of 40 tonnes per hectare.
Read the full article at The Hindu BusinessLine (Vishwanath Kulkarni)