Major Issues of Tomato Growers in Madanapalli Division of Andhra Pradesh

Tomato is one of the most popular vegetable crop in India. It is a high value crop, providing a good source of income to small scale farmers. In Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh tomato is grown in an area of 20,000 ha throughout the year. Of which, 75% of tomato area is in Madanapalli division which is one among biggest revenue divisions in India. Despite of huge market facilities in the division, farmers are facing series of constraints during cultivation and marketing. Non-availability of quality seedlings, pest incidence throughout the year, increase in cost of cultivation, fluctuations in market price and malpractices in regulated markets are the major constraints faced by farmers in the division despite farmers are reaping good yields.