Betul farmer experiments with US variety black tomato cultivation:Earns up to ₹1,000 per kg; shows higher profit margins amid rising farming costs

Traditionally, red tomatoes have dominated farmers’ fields, but in Baitul district, the agricultural landscape is witnessing a transformation. Progressive farmer Anil Verma has introduced an innovative experiment in tomato cultivation that has caught the attention of farmers and agricultural experts alike. Anil Verma has successfully grown a special black tomato variety from the United States, proving that with the right knowledge and technology, new farming methods can significantly boost farmers’ incomes. These black tomatoes appear deep purple to almost black in color. Apart from their unique appearance, black tomatoes are considered a “superfood” due to their nutritional and medicinal properties. Amid changing weather, rising costs, and market uncertainties, this cultivation is emerging as a new hope for farmers. The market price of black tomatoes can be several times higher than that of red tomatoes, reaching up to ₹1,000 per kilogram. Adopted a new path different from traditional farming Anil Verma, MSc in Botany, has long researched medicinal herbs and worked on the MapCast project. He also runs a fish seed hatchery and is active in vegetable production. Verma explains that he has been practicing traditional farming for several years, with red tomatoes, vegetables, and other crops being his main source of livelihood. In recent years, rising costs of fertilizers, seeds, pesticides, labor, and irrigation have increased expenses, while market prices often remain below costs. He states that relying solely on traditional crops makes earning a profit increasingly difficult. Hence, he decided to explore high-value crops like black tomatoes to boost income. Learned about black tomatoes in Bahrain research paper Anil Verma first learned about black tomatoes from a Bahraini research paper highlighting their high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, surpassing those of regular tomatoes. Research also suggests that black tomatoes may help prevent vascular diseases, obesity, and cancer, and may even enhance fertility. Verma started cultivation on a small experimental scale to understand soil, climate, and yield potential. The results exceeded expectations, with some fruits weighing 350–400 grams, much larger than typical red tomatoes. He plans to expand cultivation to two acres next season. Cultivation practices and varieties Technically, black tomato cultivation is similar to regular tomatoes but requires specific care. Verma has planted two varieties: a cherry type and a larger variety. Cherry tomatoes are smaller, ideal for salads and garnishing, while larger tomatoes have a deep black-purple color, locally referred to as “Madi color.” These plants need adequate sunlight, correct temperature, well-drained soil, and balanced nutrition. Insufficient light prevents the fruit from turning fully black. Seedlings are also being prepared for large-scale cultivation. Black tomato is special in terms of nutrition According to experts, black tomatoes have higher amounts of Vitamin A and Vitamin C. Additionally, it contains a substance called anthocyanin, which gives it its dark color. Anthocyanin is the same element found in fruits like blueberries, blackberries and jamun. It helps reduce free radicals in the body and is considered helpful in boosting immunity. This is why black tomatoes are rapidly becoming popular among health-conscious people. Price up to one thousand rupees per kilo in market Verma states that black tomatoes can fetch several times the price of red tomatoes. While red tomatoes may sell for ₹10–20 per kg, black tomatoes could reach ₹1,000 per kg in major cities. Currently, sales in local markets are limited as rural consumers are less aware of this crop. Verma plans to supply produce to metropolitan cities like Bhopal, Indore, Delhi, and Mumbai, where demand for organic and healthy foods is higher. The major challenge in cultivating black tomatoes is acquiring seeds. Verma imported seeds from abroad, spending around ₹3,000 for 100 mg, which yielded 60–70 seeds. Although costly, successful harvests can cover the investment and generate substantial profit.
High-value crops are better options for farmers Agricultural experts believe that in the current market and climatic scenario, high-value crops like black tomatoes provide a more profitable option. Small-scale cultivation can yield high income, demonstrating that research, technology, and market understanding can turn risks into opportunities. The black tomato experiment in Baitul may become a benchmark for future farming, establishing a new identity for agriculture in the region.