Tuipui Village in Champhai district of Mizoram which produces Tomatoes in bulk celebrated first of its kind  ‘Tomato Festival‘ at  Comprehensive Middle School, Tuipui Village on 7th of this month.

The festival organzised by  DHO Khawzawl and  Tomato Grower’s Association was graced by  Prof F. Lalnunmawia MLA, Vice Chairman, Horticulture Development  Board who flagged off a trips of tomatoes for marketing.  Dr. ZR Thiamsanga MLA and Vice Chairman Health & Family Welfare Board attended the festival.

Prof F. Lalnunmawia while appreciating the hard working and perseverance of the Toamto growers of Tuipui said that the State Government flagship program SEDP aims to render the state into a self supporting one, minimising import from outside the State.

He encouraged them to start production of Tomato by-products having higher longevity and to attract more marketing potential. Applauding the products of Tuipui which reaches Aizawl and Lunglei market, he asked them to widen and supply the whole of Mizoram.

Dr. ZR Thiamsanga, stressed the importance of Agriculture and allied departments in the actual execution of SEDP, State Government will keep on working for the wellbeing of farmers, he added. He also vowed to extend his helping hand for the Tomato Growers of Tuipui.

Dr. Elizabeth Saipari, Director Horticulture Department spoke about tomatoes cultivation and said that the present variety of Arka Rakshak came form Indian Institute of Horticulture Research, the seeds for next season has been already ordered from the Institute. The Director also mentioned that the department is always ready to help and give training from their part. 

Tuipui Village Tomato Grower’s Association was formed in 2016, soon after Arka Rakshak Tomato it was successfully tested by KVK Khawzawl in 2015. DRDA Champhai and Horticulture Department gave tremendous inputs and since then the production has been soaring up abruptly.

This year till date, the production record is Grade A-1200 quintals,  Grade B-480 quintals. 65 households earned Rs. 57 lakhs. The productivity of Tomato here at Tuipui is recorded as 50-80 qtls/Ha, each Tomato plant bearing 2-5  Kgs.