Tomato Farming in India 2026: 1 Acre Tomato Yield, Cost & Profit Guide

Tomatoes, are used in almost every Indian dish, right? Curries, chutneys, salads you name it. And honestly, I never thought much about how much effort goes behind the tomato farming in India until I got a chance to see it up close. Last year, I visited a small farm and… seeing rows of bright red tomatoes ready for harvest gave me a whole new respect for farmers.

Now, if you’re curious about starting yourself, it’s not just fun it can be profitable too. From understanding the tomato seed rate per acre to calculating tomato yield per acre, there’s a lot that goes into planning, planting, and harvesting. Did you know that with careful planning, a single acre can give a really decent harvest? 

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything — 1 acre tomato yield, cost of cultivation, different varieties, and even tips if you want to try organic tomato farming. So, let’s dive in and see how a tomato goes from seed to your plate… and maybe even into some profits too!

Also Read: Organic Pistachio Farming in India

Tomato Varieties & Best Season to Plant

So, first thing first, not all tomatoes are the same. There are so many types available in India these days. Cherry tomatoes, green tomatoes, sweet ones… but for most farmers, the regular round variety is still the most popular. And honestly, it’s the one that gives a solid tomato yield per acre.

Depending on the season, different varieties work best. For winter or spring, varieties like ArkaSourab, Pusa Early Dwarf, Pusarubi, and Arkavikas are preferred. In summer, farmers often go for Marutham, PKU-1, Arkavikas, or Arkasourab. Then there are hybrids like Arkarakshak, Arkasamrat, and Naveen — these are usually great for tomato production per acre if you want bigger yields and better resistance to pests.

Now, the interesting part is spacing your plants. When I saw the farm, they were very particular about tomato plants per acre. The spacing, soil preparation, irrigation, and sunlight all played a huge role in how much 1 acre tomato yield they could get. You can’t just throw seeds in the ground and hope for the best. Planning really matters.

And if you’re thinking about organic tomato farming, some of these varieties handle natural compost and organic pest control really well. It’s slower but feels so much better and the taste? Way more satisfying.

Cost of Cultivation & Tomato Seed Rate Per Acre

Okay, now let’s talk numbers. First, the tomato seed rate per acre is around 200 grams for regular varieties. For hybrids, it’s a bit less, maybe 60–80 grams, but they cost a little more. Last time I visited that farm, I saw them carefully measuring seeds before sowing. It was amazing how precise they were. Every gram counts when you’re thinking about tomato yield per acre.

Then comes seed treatment, which you can’t skip. Farmers usually treat seeds with a mix to prevent diseases and pests. The cost for this is around Rs. 250 per acre, feels small, but it’s worth it because it saves headaches later.

Ploughing the field and preparing nursery beds? That’s roughly Rs. 1,000 for 1 acre. Transplanting costs another Rs. 500. Labor for intercultural operations, all the weeding, watering, trimming- comes around Rs. 3,600. Miscellaneous stuff like irrigation, small tools, and electricity can be Rs. 4,000. And yes, land rental if you don’t own it- around Rs. 6,000.

Throw in pesticides and harvesting costs, and the total comes to roughly Rs. 30,000 per acre. Seems like a lot? But when you compare it to the 1 acre tomato yield you can get, it’s totally worth planning carefully.

Tomato Yield Per Acre & Profit Potential

Alright, now comes the actual harvest. When I saw the tomatoes ready, I was honestly blown away. The neat rows, the bright red fruits, the smell in the air, it’s like walking into a little tomato heaven. And the numbers are just as impressive. On average, a farmer can expect around 8 to 12 tonnes per acre, depending on the season, variety, and care.

Let’s take a safe number- say 10 tonnes. If the market price is Rs. 15 per kg, that’s Rs. 1,50,000 from 1 acre. Not bad, right? Considering the total cost of cultivation is around Rs. 30,000, the profit can be nearly Rs. 1,20,000 per acre. That’s roughly Rs. 30,000 a month over a four-month crop cycle.

The key here is planning the spacing of tomato plants per acre, watering schedules, pest management, and harvesting at the right time.

And if you’re thinking about organic tomato farming, profits might be slightly lower in numbers, but the taste, market value, and satisfaction are way higher. Honestly, growing tomatoes teaches patience, planning, and a little bit of love for your land.

Also Read: Honey Farming in India

Tips for Better Yield & Wrapping Up

Before I end, let me share a few things I picked up from seeing tomato farming up close. Little tips that really make a difference. First, spacing your tomato plants per acre properly is super important. Crowded plants don’t grow well, and you’ll end up losing yield. Second, consistent watering and mulch can save you from a lot of headaches, especially in hot months. Third, don’t skip seed treatment or pest management . Small efforts now save a ton later.

If you’re thinking about organic tomato farming, using compost and natural pest repellents can give you slightly lower tomato yield per acre, but the taste and quality… trust me, it’s worth it. 

So, whether you’re planning to grow tomatoes on a small plot at home or thinking bigger on a farmland setup, it’s possible to get good returns. A carefully planned 1 acre tomato farm can give you 1 acre tomato yield of 8–12 tonnes, enough to make farming profitable and satisfying.

At the end of the day, tomato farming in India isn’t just about numbers or profits, it’s about growing, learning, and enjoying the process. And if you’ve ever dreamed of a farm stay in Sakleshpur or owning some agriculture land in Karnataka, seeing your own tomatoes grow is one of the most grounding experiences you’ll ever have. 

FAQs

1. How many tomato plants can I grow on 1 acre?

Honestly, it depends on the variety and spacing, but usually around 8,000–10,000 plants fit comfortably. Crowding just doesn’t work.

2. What’s the average tomato yield per acre?

If everything goes well, soil, water, pest control you can expect 8 to 12 tonnes. I’ve seen farms giving close to 10 tonnes on 1 acre, and the harvest is honestly a little magical when you see all those red tomatoes ready to pick.

3. How much tomato seeds do I need per acre?

For normal varieties, around 200 grams. For hybrids, less-maybe 60–80 grams. It’s small, but believe me, using good-quality seeds really shows in your tomato production per acre.

4. Can I do organic tomato farming?

Absolutely! I tried a small organic patch at home once, and it’s slower, yes, but the taste and satisfaction are worth it. Your 1 acre tomato yield might be a bit lower, but the market loves organic.

5. Is tomato farming profitable in India?

If planned properly, yes! For 1 acre, after costs, profits can be around Rs. 1,20,000. And it’s not just about money, seeing the plants grow and picking fresh tomatoes every week is honestly priceless.