Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 22 2009:
This is the story of a successful farmer who have managed to earn decent income by cultivating tomato.
Nityaibi of Uyumpok Terapur started with little investment but with a firm determination in a farm hired from his friend Laishram Bhakta.
His farm of around two hectares located at Sagolmang has become an inspiration to farmers and unemployed youths of the area.
Nityaibi planted tomato plants of Namdari and Suraksha varieties in his farm in the last part of August.
Now, 8000 healthy and fruit bearing tomato plants are growing in his farm.
On the average, each plant yields around 2 to 3 Kgs of tomato.
Seven or eight tomatoes easily weighs a kilogram, Nityaibi said while interacting with The Sangai Express.
Nityaibi has already started reaping and marketing tomatoes.
Bulks of tomatoes seen these days near Nagamapal Lai Ishing Chaibi in the morning are produces of Nityaibi's farm.
Nityabi is selling his tomatoes at wholesale rate of Rs 25 per Kg.
Generally, 1000 Kgs of tomatoes are brought to Imphal in one trip.
Nityaibi is marketing 1000 Kgs of tomato thrice in a week earning Rs 25,000 in one trip of Rs 75,000 in a week.
He is expecting at least Rs 1.5 lakh as profit from his tomato after deducting all the investments farm at the end of this harvesting period.
On being asked if he used chemical fertilizers, Nityaibi said that he could not use compost or manure throughout the field as it was too vast.
He said that Potash, Urea and Nitrogen were also used.
Insecticide (Rich Fox) provided by Horticulture Department was also used, he added.
Nityaibi conveyed that he sought advice and tips from officials of ICAR, Horticulture at the beginning of his venture.
In addition to earning a decent income for himself, at least ten persons are currently employed in Nityaibi's farm for weeding, plucking tomatoes and weighing.
They are given wages of Rs 100 per day.
"I feel gratified on seeing the people's rush on hearing the arrival of Nityaibi's tomatoes", he said with a proud smile.
Rabi cropping launched:In a joint venture, the Agriculture Department and the Progressive Growers and Seed Producers Co-operative Society Limited, Irom Meijrao have started sowing Rabi crop seeds today.