Every farmer has a “secret recipe” for tomato growing success. An integral part of a high yield is proper tomato plant nutrition. Giving a plant the right nutrition at the right time will not only increase fruit yield, it will also help prevent damage from diseases and pests.

To increase healthy tomatoes in farmers’ fields, a WorldVeg South Asia team (PVL Bharathi, Srikanth babu, and Karthik) recently conducted training on Integrated Nutrient Management practices for 60 farmers on 5-6 June 2018 at Madanapalle, Andhra Pradesh, India. The city is home to Asia’s largest tomato market.

Keynote speaker Dr. Prasad from the University of Agricultural Sciences highlighted the symptoms of nutrient deficiency and also emphasized correct nutrient application procedures to provide optimum macro- and micronutrients for healthy tomato plants.

When the training team assessed the participants’ knowledge of best nutrition practices at the beginning of the training session, many failed to identify the distinctions between viruses and nutrient deficiencies. By the end of the workshop, participants were able to accurately recommend the nutrients required for a particular deficiency.

The training session was supported by APMAS, a state institution that supports the women’s self-help movement and promotes sustainable livelihoods.

Story and photos: Abhilash Miriyapalli