In a move to enhance sustainable horticulture, Bihar Agricultural University (BAU) in India has unveiled new open-field cherry tomato varieties after six years of research. Previously requiring poly-house environments, these new variants are suited for the open-field conditions of the eastern Indo-Gangetic region, making them accessible to more farmers.
The initiative, termed "from lab to land," was spearheaded by scientists Shirin Akhtar and Tirthartha Chattopadhyay, with guidance from director of research A K Singh and vice-chancellor D R Singh. These cherry tomatoes, known for their long shelf life and suitability for raw consumption, are positioned as a high-value crop with growing demand in urban and export markets.
BAU is focusing on introducing these varieties to both domestic and international markets. The vice-chancellor noted that earlier varieties' reliance on greenhouse conditions and high input costs restricted their reach. The new research aims to overcome these barriers by developing genetically diverse varieties aligned with market demands.
Efforts are underway to promote cherry tomato cultivation across larger areas by encouraging farmer adoption. Multi-location trials are planned across various agro-climatic zones, alongside studies on nutritional profiling and post-harvest yield. BAU intends to collaborate with private seed companies, farmer producer organisations (FPOs), and agri-startups for branding and marketing.
The director of research stated that this development signifies the convergence of science and sustainability, impacting farming communities. Scientists Shirin Akhtar, Tirthartha Chattopadhyay, and Rajesh Kumar from Krishi Vigyan Kendra highlighted that these new varieties facilitate efficient land use and effective crop diversification.
Source: Times of India