The Horticulture Program of National Centre for Organic Agriculture conducted a field demonstration of tomato rain shelter technologies in Yusipang for the farmers of Yusipang and Hongtsho villages under the Neighbour First Policy. The objective of the demonstration was to make farmers aware about the rain shelter technologies which were proven to be low-cost and efficient for growing tomato.
Tomato grown in open field conditions during summer is highly prone to blight disease. This devastating disease infects and destroys the leaves, stems as well as fruits and gives the entire plant population a blighted black appearance. Tomato is one crop that is highly recommended to be grown inside protected structures. Planting tomatoes in protected structure increases length of harvest (early and late harvest) and increases yield.
Domed shaped rain shelter (Fig.3) and slopy roof rain shelter (Fig.4) were two tomato rain shelter technologies demonstrated to the farmers. These structures are constructed using bamboo or wooden poles of about 1-2 inches diameter and transparent UV stabilized plastic sheet of 35 or 45 GSM which makes it cheaper compared to other protected structures.
The demonstration of tomato rain shelter technologies was graced by Program Director of National Centre for Organic Agriculture. A total of 36 farmers (Yusipang: 13 and Hongtsho: 19) actively took part in this demonstration which comprised of both theory and practical activities. In the end of the demonstration, the farmer participants were supported with plastics sheets and tomato seedlings so that they can apply the knowledge of tomato rain shelter technologies in their farms.
This demonstration was conducted with support form Global Environment Facility_ Least Developed Countries Fund (GEF_LDCF) and Asian Food and Agriculture Cooperation Initiative (AFACI) projects.
The Centre is looking forward to demonstrate tomato stacking and pruning techniques to this group of farmers in future.
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