Tomato Production: The art of modern day farming

You may think that only the northern part of Nigeria grows tomatoes, but I can tell you that anybody, in anywhere can grow tomato provided you are well informed, well planned and have done all the necessary things. Tomato species were originated in Central and South America. The Nahuatl (Aztec language) word tomatl gave rise to the Spanish word “tomate “, from which the English word tomato originates. Its use as a food originated in Mexico, and spread throughout the world following the Spanish colonization of the Americas.

However, the Spanish explorers brought in tomato into Spain and it was later taken to Morocco, Turkey, and Italy. In Italy and France, it was termed “love apple”. It was then, generally believed that the tomato was poisonous and its use as a food crop was only accepted in the 18th century. In this article, we will only be discussing on selling your tomato locally; that is within Nigeria.

Tomato Farming in Requirement

1. Find a perfect site for your tomato Farming - Choose a site that is not too far from the market. Also, there should be an easy transportation access available, in other to have an easy way of transporting your tomatoes when the time comes; after harvesting.
2. Choose a health land/soil for your tomato farming - The soil could be a well-managed sandy loam and heavy clay loams free of hardpan but know that the best tomatoes are obtained from deep, well-drained loam. Keep in mind that the soil should be rich in organic matter and it should be endowed with plant nutrients, with a pH value of 6 to 7. the soil should be well-prepared, loose and in good tilth. The soil should be cleared of all weeds and might be ploughed (if heavy) for about 1-3 times to make it light weights.
3. Choose the right tomato varieties - In Nigeria, the varieties of tomatoes in Nigeria can be classified with their shapes, local names and places of cultivation. They are Variety Local Name Place of cultivation Tomatoes Shapes; round, oblong, pointed tip, scissors, folded in the base. It is recommended that you plant the Roma tomato (which is a plum tomato because of its slender and firm nature). It is commonly used in Nigeria, also popular and has no objection with climate.

4. Nurse Your Tomato - The way to plant your tomato is by first planting it in the nursery, then later transplanting to the field. Make sure you prepare the nursery bed for a period of about 5 weeks. Know that your seedbed should be 55-65cm wide, 5-6cm long and 20-25cm high Planting your tomatoes can be done around March/April during the beginning of raining season. After planting, you will see them growing in the next 5-7 days then allow it to grow for about one month or 5 weeks before transplanting to the field.

5. Transplant Your Tomatoes to Field - After one month or five weeks of planting your tomato in the nursery then you can now freely plant them in the field. Tomatoes are very tender and fragile, it is best transplanted the same day you uprooted it from the nursery to avoid dehydration and fatigue. the seedbeds should be irrigated regularly after sowing and until the seedlings reach a height of 5 to 7 cm.
6. Irrigate Your Tomato Farm - Between the month of October and February, make sure you constantly supply your water with enough water; like in every 3-7 day’s interval (depending on the type of soil). Know that you shouldn’t put too much water on it to prevent them from cracking.
7. Weed and Fertilize Your Tomato Farm - After one to two months of transplanting your tomatoes from the nursery, you should consider weeding your tomato farm. You should be careful as you weed to prevent damages on your tomato crop. More preferable, use Chemical weed control, by applying registered chemicals. If you intend to use Mechanical methods to weed, it should be shallow and not too close to the plant; to prevent damages to the plants.

Fertilizer should be applied after the first weeding. This is to help restock the soil nutrients taken or affected by the weeds. The fertilizer should have contents like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, potash, molybdenum, calcium, and magnesium, along with other trace minerals, all in adequate quantity. Tomato requires these minerals to grow and flourish.

8. Control Pests and Diseases in Your Tomato Farm - Example of some tomatoes pests and diseases are: Plusia looper, Cutworm Rust mite, Red spider mite, Nematodes, Aphids, Leaf miner/potato tuber, moth\Bacterial wilt etc. These pests and diseases can be controlled by: Cultural practices (Practicing crop rotation), chemical methods etc.
9. Harvest You Tomatoes - Tomatoes will mature after 3 months that is about 8-12 weeks. The colour also should also tell you that it is ripe. You should pick your ripe tomatoes according to size, colour, and quality.
10. Store Your Tomatoes - Pack your tomatoes in wooden boxes, basket or cartons. Store them in a room which temperature is about 12°C and 86% to 90% relative humidity.
11. Market Your Tomatoes

Source:

(2018, June 7). Retrieved from J&P park Acqisitions: https://www/parkseed.com/firecracker-hybrid-tomato-seeds/p/52684-PK-P1/

Hybrid Tomato Variety for Tropical Cultivation. (2014, September 9). Retrieved from Fresh Plaza: http://www.freshplaza.com/article/126676/Hybrid-Tomato-Variety-for-Tropical-Cultivation

Olayinka, O. (2017, January 9). Tomato Farming in Nigeria. Retrieved from Arfica Business Classroom: http://africabusinessclassroom.com/tomato-farming-inigeria/

Seeds - Tomatoes - Domestic. (2018, June 5). Retrieved from Royalseed: https://royalseed.biz/tomatoes.php

Sideman, B. (2018, January 17). Growing Vegetables Tomatoes Facts. Retrieved from The University of New Hampshire: https://extension.unh.edu/resource/growing-vegetables-tomatoes-facts-sheet-1

 Short Quiz:

Which of the Tomato breed do you know gives the best reddish colour when cooked?