| Variety Name | Type | Characteristics | Suitable Regions | Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pusa Ruby | Open Pollinated | Early variety, medium-sized red fruits | North & Central India | Table & processing |
| Arka Vikas | Open Pollinated | Medium-sized, deep red, high-yield | South & Central India | Fresh market |
| Arka Saurabh | Hybrid | Thick skin, good shelf life | Karnataka, Maharashtra | Long-distance transport |
| Arka Rakshak | Hybrid | Bacterial wilt & leaf curl virus resistant | Southern India | Organic & commercial farms |
| Abhinav | Hybrid | Suitable for summer, long shelf life | Pan-India | All-purpose |
| Naveen | Hybrid | Round, firm fruits, high productivity | Andhra Pradesh, Telangana | Fresh & processing |
| Rashmi | Hybrid | Determinate, deep red, early maturing | Gujarat, Rajasthan | Processing & retail |
| US-440 | Hybrid | Good yield, attractive color | Punjab, Haryana | Domestic & export market |
| Roma | Heirloom/Hybrid | Oblong shape, meaty, low moisture | Greenhouses, hills | Sauces, ketchup |
| Heem Sohna | Desi/Heirloom | Small, juicy, desi taste | Bihar, Bengal, Assam | Local markets & cooking |
Tomatoes are among the most widely grown crops in India, prized for their versatility, nutritional value, and market demand. Whether you’re a commercial farmer or a home gardener, choosing the right variety and using the correct fertilizer strategy is key to maximizing your harvest. Here’s a detailed guide to the top tomato varieties in India and the fertilizers they need to thrive.
🍅 1. Pusa Ruby
- Type: Open Pollinated
- Regions: North & Central India
- Traits: Medium-sized red fruits, early maturity
- Fertilizer Needs:
- Basal: 10 tons of FYM/acre + 50:50:30 NPK kg/acre
- Top dressing: Split application of Nitrogen during flowering and fruiting
🍅 2. Arka Vikas
- Type: Open Pollinated
- Regions: South & Central India
- Traits: High yield, deep red fruits
- Fertilizer Needs:
- Basal: 12 tons FYM + 60:60:40 NPK kg/acre
- Weekly application of liquid compost or vermiwash for improved fruiting
🍅 3. Arka Saurabh
- Type: Hybrid
- Regions: Karnataka, Maharashtra
- Traits: Thick skin, good shelf life
- Fertilizer Needs:
- Apply 75:60:60 NPK kg/acre in split doses
- Supplement with calcium nitrate to reduce blossom-end rot
🍅 4. Arka Rakshak
- Type: Hybrid (Disease Resistant)
- Regions: Southern India
- Traits: Resistant to bacterial wilt & leaf curl virus
- Fertilizer Needs:
- Basal: 10 tons compost + 80:60:60 NPK
- Weekly foliar sprays of micronutrients (zinc, boron)
🍅 5. Abhinav
- Type: Hybrid
- Regions: Pan-India
- Traits: Heat-tolerant, long shelf life
- Fertilizer Needs:
- Organic FYM + 60:50:40 NPK
- Use of neem cake to control nematodes and enrich soil
🍅 6. Naveen
- Type: Hybrid
- Regions: Andhra Pradesh, Telangana
- Traits: High productivity, round and firm fruits
- Fertilizer Needs:
- Balanced NPK (70:50:50) + foliar feed with potassium nitrate during fruit setting
🍅 7. Rashmi
- Type: Hybrid
- Regions: Gujarat, Rajasthan
- Traits: Early maturing, suitable for processing
- Fertilizer Needs:
- Apply NPK in 2–3 split doses
- Water-soluble fertilizers every 15 days for best results
🍅 8. US-440
- Type: Hybrid
- Regions: Punjab, Haryana
- Traits: Bright color, suitable for export
- Fertilizer Needs:
- 80:60:60 NPK + organic matter
- Magnesium sulfate spray to improve skin firmness
🍅 9. Roma
- Type: Heirloom/Hybrid
- Regions: Hills & Greenhouses
- Traits: Oblong, meaty, low moisture
- Fertilizer Needs:
- High potassium (e.g., 80:60:80 NPK) for thick flesh
- Gypsum for improving texture and calcium
🍅 10. Heem Sohna
- Type: Desi/Heirloom
- Regions: Bihar, Bengal, Assam
- Traits: Juicy, strong flavor
- Fertilizer Needs:
- FYM + Panchagavya or Jeevamrut (organic)
- Ideal for organic and kitchen gardening
🧪 Pro Tips for Fertilizer Management
- Always test soil before application
- Use drip irrigation for efficient nutrient delivery
- Rotate tomato with legumes to restore soil nitrogen
By matching the right variety with suitable fertilizer practices, Indian growers can boost productivity and ensure high-quality harvests all year round.
✅ Best Uses by Category
- Fresh Consumption: Arka Vikas, Abhinav, Rashmi
- Processing (Sauce/Ketchup): Roma, Pusa Ruby, Naveen
- Export/Long Shelf Life: Arka Rakshak, Arka Saurabh, US-440
- Desi/Culinary Use: Heem Sohna, local landraces
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