Sk Shoaib, SAU Correspondent
A new variety of yellow cherry tomato called Golden Purna has been adapted in the climatic condition of Bangladesh. Recently, it has been recognised by the National Seed Board. A post graduate student of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University (SAU) named Rakibuzzaman Moni and Rahul Sheikh under the supervision of Dr Jamal Uddin, a professor of Horticulture conducted the research.
According to the university name, they named it ‘SAU Yellow Cherry Tomato (Golden Purna)’. Researchers already mentioned it will give about 2 times higher yield than other varieties of cherry tomato.
In 2014, Prof Dr Jamal started this research with the seed of cherry tomato which he collected from Japan and tried to get adaptability of those seed in the climatic condition of Bangladesh. After continuous efforts of long five (5) years, he got the success. According to the researchers, this new variety can be cultivated everywhere in Bangladesh.
Dr. Jamal said, ’’Generally, a tomato plant can live only 3-4 month, but Golden Purna may live 5-6 months approximately. As a result, it will give two(2) months yield which will be more profitable for farmers.”
He also said to the Bangladesh Post, ’’Farmers collect tomato after an specific period from the plant, but the new variety will give them the opportunity to collect tomato from time to time.’’
Golden Purna is a yellow coloured tomato which attracts people more; has a powerful immunity and contains carotenoid which is very beneficial for human eyes.
Researchers also described about yields of tomato and clearly mentioned that generally farmers harvest about 3-4 kg tomato from one tomato plant. From Golden Purna, they will be able to collect about 7-8 kg tomato.
The cultivation system of Golden Purna is same as other varieties of tomato and can be cultivated easily on rooftop. Plant height is more than two (2) meter and use of organic fertilizer will increase the yield.
Dr Jamal said about future progress of this new variety that he expects govt. will help to distribute the seed to the farmers free of cost and that is the only way to get the result of this research widely.
