More News : In a major boost to cost-effective and high-yield farming, the ICAR-Indian Institute of Vegetable Research (ICAR-IIVR) has successfully demonstrated an innovative grafting technique that allows farmers to grow two different vegetables on a single plant.
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan reviewed the innovation and described it as the “future of smart farming.”
Scientists have combined two different plant species using advanced grafting methods, achieving remarkable results with “Pomato” and “Brimato.”
What is Pomato?
Pomato is a grafted plant that produces:
- Tomatoes above the ground
- Potatoes below the soil
By combining tomato and potato plants, researchers have enabled farmers to harvest two crops from a single plant, maximizing productivity per unit area.
What is Brimato?
Brimato is another grafting innovation where:
- Brinjal (eggplant) and
- Tomato
are grown on the same plant. This allows farmers to harvest both vegetables from a single stem.
Benefits for Farmers
- Efficient use of land, water, and nutrients
- Two crops from one field and one effort
- Reduced production cost
- Higher productivity in limited space
- Better tolerance against soil-borne diseases
Experts believe this technology could be a game-changer, especially for small and marginal farmers, enabling them to double output from smaller plots.
From Lab to Field
During the review meeting, Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan directed scientists and officials to ensure that these innovations move quickly from laboratories to farmers’ fields.
He emphasized that Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) should be involved in distributing high-quality grafted seedlings and that modern nurseries should supply ready-to-plant saplings to ensure better success rates.
This breakthrough marks a significant step toward sustainable and smart agriculture in India, helping farmers increase income while optimizing limited resources.
