Jamshedpur’s Patamda tomatoes tickle taste buds in Bihar, Bengal and beyond | The Avenue Mail
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Jamshedpur, July 23: East Singhbhum district, renowned for its mineral wealth, is now gaining recognition for its agricultural produce, particularly tomatoes from Patamda and Bodam blocks. These tomatoes are in high demand across various states, including Delhi, Patna, Bhubaneswar, Ranchi, Durgapur, Paskura, Burdwan, Benachatti, and Sealdah. Over 150 quintals of tomatoes are transported daily to these destinations.
Under the ‘One District One Product’ scheme, tomatoes have been selected as the key produce for East Singhbhum. The district’s 11 blocks, particularly Patamda and Bodam, cultivate tomatoes extensively. According to the District Horticulture Department, tomatoes are grown on 1,428 hectares, yielding 29,115 metric tons annually. The black cotton soil in these blocks, rich in nitrogen and other nutrients is ideal for tomato farming, ensuring high quality and long-lasting freshness.
The black cotton soil in Patamda and Bodam is a boon for tomato production as it is naturally enriched with nutrients that foster healthy growth. This soil ensures that the tomatoes are uniformly red when ripe, making them highly attractive and valuable in the market. The hard work of local farmers, combined with the favorable soil conditions, has helped these tomatoes establish a unique identity nationwide.
More than 100 quintals of tomatoes are dispatched daily from Patamda to West Bengal. During peak season, about 50 trains carry tomatoes to various states. Local farmers also sell their produce in Jamshedpur markets. Progressive farmer Yadunath Gorai sends over 50 tonnes of tomatoes to West Bengal every day.
Despite the success, farmers face significant challenges due to the lack of basic facilities like cold storage. Without proper storage, the price of tomatoes can plummet to Rs 5 per kg during peak season, forcing farmers to leave their crops in the fields. Agriculture expert Niharika emphasized the urgent need for multi-purpose cold storage unit in Patamda. Farmer Vishwanath Mandi believed that with government support for cold storage and security, tomato cultivation alone could lead to prosperity for local farmers.
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