Early tomatoes planted in August; at least Tk 4 lakh profit from 5 kani, and Tk 1.6 lakh sales from one kani costing Tk 40,000-50,000
Farmers on the Banshkhali coast in Chattogram planted tomatoes in August instead of October this year and cut drainage channels to clear rainwater, getting a good crop. Selling at Tk 50-80 a kg, they made far more than from paddy.
On the Banshkhali coast of Chattogram, farmers in Gandamara and Saral unions took a risk this year and grew early tomatoes. In other years planting began in October because there is less rain; this year seedlings went in at the start of August, even through heavy rain. Waterlogged soil spoils the fruit, so farmers cut drainage channels across the fields, and in the dry season the same channels carry water to the plant roots. The varieties were Profit Early, Durjoy and Bahubali, and fruit came after four months. One farmer who grew on 5 kani (one kani is 40 decimals) made at least Tk 4 lakh profit; he used to grow paddy there with little gain. Another farmer who planted 8 kani sold at Tk 50 to Tk 80 a kg, and did not expect such a yield on salty soil. One family spent Tk 40,000 to Tk 50,000 on one kani and got Tk 1.6 lakh. The agriculture office says tomatoes were grown on 415 hectares in nine unions this time, 350 hectares of it in Gandamara and Saral. Some have finished picking and are already preparing the land to plant again.
Lessons
- 1.For early planting in the rains, cut drainage channels across the field; standing water spoils tomato fruit.
- 2.Early planting is risky because rain can do damage; the farmers therefore arranged drainage beforehand.
- 3.Tomatoes earn more than paddy but also cost more; budget about Tk 40,000-50,000 per kani.
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