Tomato Crop Duration in India: Key Growth Stages

The tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a warm-season crop that grows as a sprawling herbaceous plant, typically reaching heights of 1-3 meters depending on variety and growth pattern.

Different tomato varieties exhibit vastly different growth characteristics – from compact determinate types to vigorous indeterminate climbers.

For gardeners looking to maximize their harvest potential, understanding which Tomato Varieties in India For Better Yields work best in local growing conditions can make the difference between a mediocre crop and an abundant one.

Originally native to western South America, tomatoes were introduced to India by the Portuguese in the 16th century and have since become one of the most important vegetable crops in the country.

There are approximately 156 varieties of tomatoes cultivated across India, ranging from small cherry types to large beefsteak varieties.

India ranks second globally in tomato production, contributing about 11% of the world’s total output with an annual production exceeding 20 million metric tons.

Tomatoes are available throughout the year in India due to diverse climatic zones and multiple cropping seasons.

The average tomato fruit weighs between 70-150 grams with diameters ranging from 5-10 centimeters, though commercial varieties typically produce uniform fruits of 80-100 grams.

Tomatoes serve as a crucial ingredient in Indian cuisine and are valued for their rich nutritional profile, containing vitamins A, C, and K, along with potassium and folate.

The fruit is particularly notable for its high lycopene content, a powerful antioxidant that gives tomatoes their red color and provides protection against heart disease and certain cancers.

Additionally, tomatoes contain beta-carotene, lutein, and various phenolic compounds that contribute to their anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.

Tomato Varieties in India

There are more than 25,000 varieties of tomatoes in the world, with India cultivating more than 156 distinct varieties adapted to various agro-climatic conditions.

However, only about 20-25 varieties are commercially significant and widely grown across different states.

Indian seed companies and government research institutions have developed numerous hybrid and open-pollinated varieties suited to specific regional requirements and market demands.

Pusa Ruby

This determinate variety developed by IARI produces medium-sized oblate fruits weighing 70-80 grams with attractive red color. The plants show vigorous growth with dark green foliage and mature in 70-75 days from transplanting. It yields 32-35 tons per hectare during the Rabi season (October-March) and is ideal for table purposes with good keeping quality and transport durability.

Arka Vikas

A semi-determinate variety from IIHR Bangalore bearing round to slightly flattened fruits of 80-90 grams with deep red color and 3-4 locules. Plants mature in 75-80 days and produce yields of 35-40 tons per hectare.

This variety performs well in both Kharif and Rabi seasons, showing resistance to bacterial wilt and suitable for both fresh market and processing.

Punjab Chhuhara

This hybrid determinate variety produces elongated pear-shaped fruits weighing 15-20 grams each, resembling dates (chhuhara).

Plants reach maturity in 65-70 days from transplanting with yields of 40-45 tons per hectare.

Best grown during November-March, these tomatoes have high total soluble solids (6-7° Brix) making them excellent for processing into paste and ketchup.

Himsona (HS-110)

A determinate hybrid developed by Indo-American Hybrid Seeds suitable for hill cultivation. Fruits are round, firm, weighing 90-100 grams with uniform red color.

The variety matures in 70-75 days yielding 50-55 tons per hectare. It shows good resistance to early blight and bacterial wilt, performing exceptionally in summer months (March-July) at elevations above 1000 meters.

Abhilash

This indeterminate F1 hybrid from Syngenta produces large round fruits of 120-150 grams with excellent firmness and deep red color. Plants require staking and mature in 75-80 days from transplanting.

Yields reach 80-90 tons per hectare under protected cultivation. The variety shows tolerance to tomato leaf curl virus and is primarily grown for fresh market during October-February.

Pusa Hybrid-1

A semi-determinate F1 hybrid from IARI producing uniform round fruits of 100-110 grams with 4-5 locules. Plants mature in 75-78 days and yield 65-70 tons per hectare.

This variety performs well in North Indian plains during winter months, showing resistance to verticillium wilt and good adaptability to temperature fluctuations.

Arka Samrat

This triple disease-resistant variety from IIHR bears firm, round fruits weighing 80-85 grams with thick pericarp. Plants are determinate type maturing in 72-75 days with yields of 70-75 tons per hectare.

The variety shows resistance to bacterial wilt, early blight, and leaf curl virus, making it suitable for organic farming during both seasons.

Rashmi

An indeterminate hybrid from Mahyco producing globe-shaped fruits of 90-100 grams with uniform size and attractive red color. Plants require support and mature in 70-75 days, yielding 75-80 tons per hectare.

The variety shows good heat tolerance and is cultivated year-round in South India, particularly for export markets.

Punjab Upma

This semi-determinate variety bears flattish-round fruits weighing 75-85 grams with good shelf life of 8-10 days.

Plants mature in 72-76 days producing yields of 40-45 tons per hectare. Developed for processing industry requirements, it contains high lycopene content (8-9 mg/100g) and performs best during October-March in Punjab and Haryana.

Kashi Vishesh (H-86)

A high-yielding determinate hybrid from IIVR producing round, firm fruits of 85-95 grams. Plants show compact growth maturing in 68-72 days with yields reaching 60-65 tons per hectare.

This variety demonstrates tolerance to moisture stress and is recommended for summer cultivation in Indo-Gangetic plains.

Swarna Lalima

An open-pollinated variety bearing deep red oval fruits of 100-120 grams with excellent taste.

Plants are semi-determinate type maturing in 78-82 days yielding 35-38 tons per hectare. This variety maintains fruit quality even under high temperature conditions and is popular among organic farmers in central India.

Tomato Production in India

Tomato ranks third among vegetable crops in India after potato and onion, occupying approximately 789,000 hectares with an annual production of 20.7 million metric tons.

India holds the second position globally in tomato production, contributing 11.2% of world output.

The major tomato-producing states include Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Odisha, Gujarat, West Bengal, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Maharashtra, and Telangana, which collectively account for 83% of national production.

The 2022-23 production is estimated to be 204.25 lakh tons, showing a year-over-year growth of 3.8% from the previous season.

Madhya Pradesh leads tomato production contributing to 16.8% of total national output, followed by Andhra Pradesh at 13.2%, Karnataka at 11.4%, Odisha at 8.7%, and Gujarat at 7.9%. These top five states together produce 58% of India’s tomatoes, with Madhya Pradesh alone producing 34.36 lakh tons annually.

Table 1: State-wise Tomato Production Data

Table 2: Major Tomato Growing Districts

Tomato Production in the World

China leads global tomato production with 67.6 million tons annually, accounting for 34.8% of world production.

India ranks second with 20.7 million tons contributing 10.7%, followed by Turkey at 6.8%, United States at 5.8%, and Egypt at 3.7%.

The global tomato production has shown steady growth of 2.3% annually over the past decade, with Asian countries contributing 63% of total output.

Turkey has emerged as a significant player with year-over-year growth of 4.2%, while traditional producers like Italy and Spain focus on high-value processed tomato exports.

China primarily serves its domestic market, consuming 95% of production internally, whereas countries like Italy, Spain, and Netherlands export significant portions as paste, puree, and fresh produce.

India exports only 0.5% of its production, mainly to neighboring countries like Pakistan, UAE, and Bangladesh, with growing potential for processed tomato products in international markets.

Tomato Season in India

Tomato cultivation in India requires warm climate with temperature range of 20-27°C for optimal growth, though the crop can tolerate temperatures between 10-35°C.

The general planting season varies across regions, but tomatoes are typically transplanted 25-30 days after sowing and harvested 60-90 days from transplantation depending on variety.

The crop is grown year-round in India due to diverse agro-climatic zones, with peak production during January-March and November-December.

Tomatoes are harvested at different maturity stages depending on end use. For fresh market consumption, fruits are picked at breaker stage showing first color change, while fully red ripe fruits are harvested for immediate local sale. The processing industry requires firm red fruits with high total soluble solids content harvested at full maturity. Seed extraction demands over-ripe fruits left on plants for additional 10-15 days after normal harvest maturity.

Average tomato yields range from 25-35 tons per hectare for open-pollinated varieties, while hybrid varieties produce 60-90 tons per hectare under optimal conditions.

Protected cultivation can achieve yields exceeding 150 tons per hectare. The peak harvest season occurs during January-February and November-December when prices typically drop due to surplus production.

The lean period falls during July-September when supply decreases and prices rise significantly.

Tomato cultivation extends from sea level to 2,000 meters altitude, with hill varieties performing well above 1,000 meters. The crop requires 400-600mm well-distributed rainfall throughout the growing season.

Excessive rainfall during flowering and fruiting causes flower drop, fruit cracking, and increased disease incidence.

Summer crops require irrigation every 5-7 days, while winter crops need watering at 10-15 day intervals. Organic tomato farming performs best during October-March when disease pressure is minimal.

Tomato Harvesting and Growing Season in India

Southern and Western states including Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Gujarat follow four distinct transplanting phases for continuous production.

The initial transplanting season begins in June-July with harvesting done from August-October. The second phase involves transplanting in September-October yielding harvest from November-January.

The third transplanting occurs in January-February with fruits ready during March-May.

The fourth phase sees transplanting in April-May with harvesting from June-August, completing the year-round cycle.

Northern states like Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar primarily follow two main seasons. The autumn-winter crop is transplanted in September-October and harvested from December-February.

The spring-summer crop involves transplanting in January-February with harvesting during April-June.

Some progressive farmers in these regions also grow a third crop by transplanting in June-July for September-November harvest.

Eastern states including West Bengal, Odisha, and Jharkhand practice three cropping phases. The early winter crop is transplanted in August-September for October-December harvest.

The main winter season sees transplanting in October-November with harvesting from January-March. The summer crop is transplanted in February-March yielding harvest during May-July.

Hilly regions of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and North-Eastern states follow a single main season due to climatic constraints.

Transplanting occurs from March-May with harvesting extending from June-October.

Some lower hill areas manage two crops by transplanting in February-March for May-July harvest and again in June-July for September-November production.