Itahari, May 27: A business interaction was organised in Dharan here recently with the objective of formulating an extensive programme for the production, market management and export of the “hybrid abinas-2” tomato variety which is a ready cash crop.

The interaction programme was organised under the joint auspices of the Agricultural Enterprises Centre (AEC) East Regional Contact Office and the Dharan Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

On the occasion extensive discussions were held on marketing of tomato, production, nature of business relations between the producers and the retailers and the need for constant coordination among all these aspects.

It was pointed out that the hybrid abinas-2 tomato could be exported to India and Bangladesh by improving its quality. Moreover, there is a good prospect of improving the socio-economic condition of the farmers by commercial cultivation of the vegetable.

Presenting a working paper at the programme, horticulturist Shambhu Ram Katuwal said the cost of production is less than the profit from the commercial cultivation of this variety of tomato.

He said since this variety of tomato ripens faster than other varieties, it was gaining popularity among the farmers.

The country could be made self-sufficient if investors and interested farmers of the different VDCs could be roped in to start commercial cultivation and joint investment was increased in the promotional activities, he said.

Similarly, the need for crop extension was also pointed out on the occasion.

Sixty-five tomato farmers and retailers from Ilam, Dhankuta, Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari, Makwanpur and Dhading, the districts better known as the main tomato-growing districts of the kingdom, took part in the interaction.

President of Dharan Chamber of Commerce and Industries Bijaya Danga presided over the programme.