Evaluation of cherry tomato genotypes for tribal livelihood improvement

In the captivating cold desert terrain of Ladakh, nestled beyond the towering Himalayas, the harsh climatic conditions confine the agricultural window to a brief 5-6 months annually for open cultivation. Within this limited timeframe, while cool-season vegetables manage to thrive in open fields, the cultivation of warm-season crops, which demand a higher temperature, necessitates the adoption of protected cultivation methods. In response to these challenges, tomatoes, a warm-season crop, have been successfully cultivated within protective structures such as greenhouses, trenches, and walk-in tunnels, which are instrumental in providing the necessary temperature conditions to achieve optimal yields. Cherry tomatoes have emerged as a novel and sought-after crop, primarily driven by the burgeoning tourism industry in Leh Ladakh, which has spiked the demand for these tomatoes. However, the widespread cultivation of cherry tomatoes at the farm level is hindered by a lack of knowledge regarding appropriate cultivation techniques and the identification of suitable varieties. To address this gap, a pivotal study was conducted at KVK-Leh during the Kharif season of 2023-24, focusing on the evaluation of three cherry tomato genotypes under protected cultivation conditions. The study utilized a basic local structure for protection, affordable for the majority of local farmers. Among the genotypes tested, 'Cherry Red Gold' stood out, yielding an impressive 61.44 tons per hectare and featuring a tangy sweet flavor profile with a Total Soluble Solids (TSS) content of 11°Brix. The spherical fruit shape of 'Cherry Red Gold' was preferred over the oblong and oval shapes of the 'Sheeja' and 'Tutim Racha' varieties, respectively. 'Cherry Red Gold' also excelled in the number of fruits per bunch, although 'Tutim Racha' led in bunch weight due to its larger fruit size. In terms of plant height, 'Tutim Racha' was the tallest, followed by 'Cherry Red Gold', with 'Sheeja' being the shortest at 171.40 cm. This study marks a significant step toward identifying a cherry tomato variety that is well-suited for successful cultivation under protected conditions in Ladakh, potentially transforming local agriculture and contributing to the region's economic growth