A first of its kind  here at Tuipui Village Champhai, well known  for its Tomato production in bulk, Tomato Festival was celebrated with zeal and zest at   Comprehensive Middle School, Tuipui Village yesterday. The festival organzised by  DHO Khawzawl and  Tomato Grower's Association was graced by  Prof F. Lalnunmawia MLA, Vice Chairman, Horticulture Development  Board as the Chief Guest who flagged of a trips of tomatoes for marketing. Also  Dr. ZR Thiamsanga MLA, Vice Chairman Health & Family Welfare Board attended the festival as the Guest of Honour.

Prof F. Lalnunmawia appreciated the hard working and perseverance of the Toamto growers of Tuipui. Elaborating about the State Government flagship program SEDP, he said that the program 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 Mizoram. The Horticulture Board Vice Chairman also told the farmers to go for more productions and approach the department whenever they need a help.

Dr. ZR Thiamsanga, the Guest of Honour also 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 and said that Tomato Festival implies and witnesses their sincere efforts.

Dr. Elizabeth Saipari, Director Horticulture Department also praised the dedication shown by Tamato Farmers. She also spoke at length 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 recorded is Grade A-1200 quintals,  Grade B-480 quintals. 65 households earned Rupees 57 lakhs as recorded. The productivity of Tomato here at Tuipui is recorded as 50-80 qtls/Ha, each Tomato plant bearing 2-5  Kgs. Prior to the Ceremony, the Chief Guest, Guest of Honour along with Officials and farmers visited the Tomato Farm and reaped the harvest.