A farmer located in Kanjikuzhy, Alappuzha, has adopted the innovative Israeli farming model to cultivate tomatoes.
The inaugural event for this experimental project was graced by Agriculture Minister P. Prasad, who planted a seedling on Sunday to mark the occasion.
The unique approach involves cultivating tomatoes within specially designed mini poly houses. The seedlings are placed on raised beds and shielded with mulching sheets.
Sujith Swami Nikarthil, the enterprising farmer behind this initiative, believes that the poly house technique will effectively manage pests and diseases while boosting overall tomato production. One of the notable advantages is the ability to engage in year-round farming.
Nikarthil's journey into advanced agricultural practices began when he was part of a delegation of 27 farmers who visited Israel through an Agriculture Department program. The aim was to explore modern farming techniques earlier in the year.
Prior to venturing into tomato farming, Nikarthil successfully established a banana farm inspired by the Israeli model in Cherthala South Grama panchayat.
On this banana farm, he has planted 1,200 tissue culture banana plants comprising five varieties: ethan (plantain banana), njalipoovan (finger banana), chenkathali (red banana), and two robustas.
Unconventional in comparison to the traditional one-pit-one-plant method, Nikarthil employs a practice from Israel by planting three saplings in each pit. This high-density approach has allowed him to accommodate an additional 400 saplings.
During the inauguration event, various dignitaries, including Kanjikuzhy grama panchayat president Geetha Karthikeyan, panchayat vice president M. Santhosh Kumar, panchayat member K. Kanakan, agricultural officer Janish Rose Jacob, assistant agricultural officer S.D. Anila, and Karma Sena convenor G. Udhayappan, joined the agriculture minister in planting seedlings.
