Imphal, December 17: A potato plant bearing tomato may sound bizarre but it is a reality which is currently on display at SARAS mela at Pologround.

A potato plant grafted with a branch of tomato plant bears both potato and tomato and the hybrid has been christened �Pomato�.

Such production of two or multiple fruits from a single plant through grafting is being undertaken by Hijam Kulajit, a progressive farmer from Tera.

Elaborating on the grafting process, Kulajit stated that the grafting should be done when potato shoots start growing by attaching a branch of tomato plant to be kept in a cool place for 4/5 days.

The hybrid plant takes about 15 days to thrive on its own, added Kulajit.

As the plant matures and starts bearing tomatoes above, potatoes would be borne underneath, informed Kulajit.

A hybrid plant bears about 10 to 15 potatoes weighing about 150 to 200 grams by each potato while about 40 to 70 numbers of tomatoes are reasonably expected from such a plant, added the farmer.

Joining the interaction with mediapersons, manager of horticulture farm at Mantripukhri, K Devdutta informed that seedlings of such plants may be ordered at the Horticulture and Soil Conservation Department.

The farming of such hybrid plants would be highly beneficial to both extensive and intensive farmers of the State.

The manager appealed to take up plantation of such plants to which the Department would provide all possible help, added Devdutta.

The mela is being organised by Horticulture and Soil Conservation department, Govt of Manipur.

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