Economic impact of planting dates and cultivars on tomato farming in Southern Telangana

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a vital crop in Southern Telangana, where favorable climatic conditions contribute to its economic significance. This study evaluates the economic impact of different planting dates and tomato cultivars on yield, nitrogen uptake, dry matter production, water productivity, and profitability. Conducted at the Water Technology Centre, PJTSAU during the 2020-21 growing season, the research employed a Factorial Randomized Block Design, testing eight planting dates and three hybrids. Results revealed that the October 15th planting date produced the highest fruit yield (61.94 t ha⁻¹) and average fruit weight (66.12 g), outperforming earlier dates. The hybrid 'Heemsona' demonstrated superior performance, yielding 47.96 t ha⁻¹, significantly benefiting from optimal planting conditions. Nitrogen uptake peaked in the October and November plantings, with the highest recorded in D8 (November 15th) at flowering stages. Dry matter production and water productivity also aligned with these planting dates. Economic analysis indicated that the October planting, alongside 'Heemsona,' provided the best returns, with a benefit-cost ratio of 4.26. These findings underscore the importance of strategic planting dates and cultivar selection in enhancing productivity and profitability, offering valuable insights for local farmers seeking sustainable practices in tomato farming. The results advocate for optimizing agronomic factors to improve economic returns and ensure the viability of tomato cultivation in the region.