Project report for Tomato Cultivation

Tomatoes are widely grown in all parts of the world. Tomatoes are produced and processed during the two main seasons across much of India, August to October (kharif) and December to April (Rabi). Tomatoes are also grown during the off-season (May to July) where conditions suit and also under protected cultivation. Tomato fits easily into different cropping systems, has high economic value and fruits can be processed, dried, canned and bottled. Moreover, tomatoes contribute to a healthy, well balanced diet. Tomatoes are rich in potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and small amounts of calcium. Tomatoes contain a lot of vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin B3. They have small amounts of other B vitamins, and vitamin E. The southern and central states constitute much of India’s production including the states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and Maharashtra. Tomato production is growing worldwide because consumers demanding a wider range of innovative, value-added products. Tomatoes are an important crop for both the farmer and the consumer in India. It grows in almost every state of the country. It is important commercial vegetable crop of India. It is the second most important crop of world after potato. Fruits are eaten raw or in cooked form. It is rich source of vitamin A, C, potassium and minerals. It is used in soup, juice and ketch up, powder. The major tomato producing states are Bihar, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Orissa, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal.

The global tomato processing market is aided by the rising production as well as consumption of processed tomatoes. In 2020, 42 million tons of processed tomatoes were consumed globally. Their consumption is expected to grow further, growing at a CAGR of 3.8% in the forecast period of 2022-2027 to attain 51 million tons in 2026. The tomato processing market is being driven by the extensive applications of processed tomatoes in sectors like household, food processing, and snack foods. They are also used widely in the foodservice industry in hotels, restaurants, and fast food retail chains. With the fast food industry thriving globally, the market is being propelled forward. The growing organised retail sector is also providing further impetus to the market growth. The additional health benefits of processed tomatoes along with their longer shelf life is driving their demand. Tomato puree is an especially significant processed product as it finds expansive use across various value-added products like tomato juice, ketchup, paste, strained tomato pulp, pickles, pasta, pizza sauces, salsa, gravies, ready-to-eat curries, and tomato-based powder products. Driven by rising disposable incomes and westernisation of food consumption patterns, the fast food industry has been witnessing strong growth in the country.