India: PAU tomato variety ‘punjab ratta’ – a hit among the tomato growers

In order to showcase the varietal performance of high yielding tomato variety ‘Punjab Ratta’, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Faridkot in collaboration with the Department of Vegetable Science, PAU, Ludhiana organized a Field Day on tomato at village Ghughiana on May 30, 2023. The programme was organized under the aegis of the Directorate of Extension Education, PAU and ICAR ATARI Zone-1, Ludhiana. Around 40 progressive vegetable growers participated in the programme.

Sh. Amanpreet Singh Brar, Member, PAU Board of Management and a progressive farmer graced the event as the Chief Guest. While addressing the farmers, he said that the farmers are fairly convinced with the performance of tomato variety, ‘Punjab Ratta’. High yield, better quality and suitability for processing are few impressive features making this variety a thumbs-up among the farmers, he added. He further lauded the role of PAU and KVK Faridkot for handholding of vegetable farmers and regularly mobilizing them to make headway by adopting improved varieties of vegetables.

Dr Tarsem Singh Dhillon, Head, Department of Vegetable Science, PAU, Ludhiana while addressing the participants shared that the plants of tomato variety ‘Punjab Ratta’ are determinate with dense & dark green foliage. The fruits are medium sized, oval, very firm suitable for processing due to deep red colour with average lycopene content of 8 mg/100 g and TSS contents of 5%, he added. He also appealed the farmers to adopt the variety on large scale as enough seed is available with PAU, Ludhiana. He also shared information on various varieties and hybrids of vegetable crops released by PAU, Ludhiana.

Dr Salesh Kumar Jindal, Sr. Vegetable Breeder, Department of Vegetable Science, PAU, Ludhiana while sharing the vital information with the farmers informed that the November transplanted crop of ‘Punjab Ratta’ yields 220-230 q/acre while the February transplanting gives 170-180 q/acre. He further discussed information on tomato varieties recommended for cultivation in different seasons by PAU, Ludhiana.

Dr Gurpreet Singh Makkar, Deputy Director (Trg), KVK, Faridkot while welcoming the dignitaries and farmers said the success of demonstration on ‘Punjab Ratta‘ conducted at the field of a progressive farmer, S. Gurpreet Singh of Village Ghughiana has raised favourable voices about the variety among the farming masses. ″I am confident that the feedbacks and suggestions received today will surely help us to further strengthen our research and extension programmes for the benefit of vegetable growers″, Dr Makkar added.

During the event KVK team including Dr Gurdarshan Singh, Dr Kamaldeep Singh Matharu, Dr Karmjeet Kaur and Dr Pawitar Singh also shared vital information on PAU recommended technologies.

Distribution of literature and farmer-scientist interaction were the other key attractions at the event.