ABSTRACT
Tomatoes are the world’s most widely grown vegetable, other than the white potato. Commercially, 45 million metric tons of tomatoes are produced each year from 2.2 million hectares, but only 15% of the output occurs in the tropics. More widespread cultivation of tomatoes could generate rural employment, stimulate urban employment, expand exports, improve nutrition of the people, and increase the income of farmers. Production of fresh-market or processing tomatoes provides business opportunities for manufacturers of fertilizers, pesticides, sprayers, and containers; for producers of bamboo or wooden poles for propping or staking; and for dealers in seeds and farm implements. Export arrangements usually start with an agreement between a foreign company and a local company to produce tomatoes or manufacture tomato products. The potential for tomatoes in the tropics lies primarily in increased income and employment; tomatoes can contribute to better nutrition. Like many vegetable crops, tomatoes can be grown efficiently both on a commercial scale and in home gardens.
