History and Background
Naga tree tomato is an integral ingredient of the Nagaland cuisine. Locally, the Naga Tree Tomato is referred to as “Sei Bangenuo.” This name comes from the Tenyidie dialect and means “tree tomato.”The Naga Tree Tomato, which has over 30 species worldwide, is also known as “Tamarillo.”The Naga tree tomato, sometimes referred to as tamarillo, has traditionally been a staple of Naga cuisine. It is mainly grown in the districts of Kohima, Phek, Kiphire, Mon, Wokha, Mokokchung, Longleng, Tuensang and Zunheboto with an estimated area and production during 2022-23 at 97.08 hectare and 186.08 metric tonnes. It received the GI tag on March 23, 2015 under certification number 374.
Features
- Although the fruit has an egg-like form, it resembles a tomato in appearance.
- Sei Bangenuo, also known as the Naga tree tomato, is a fast-growing tree that grows to a height of five metres and resembles a tomato.
- The fruit has an egg-like form and varies in colour from unripe green to ripe yellow, red, and purple. There is a spicy scent to it.
- A single tree can yield up to 20 kilogrammes of fruit annually and will continue to do so for 12 years.
- These tomatoes can be stored for a long period under normal temperatures
Cultivation
Best season to plant tree tomato plant is between May and September.
Uses
- Offers medicinal values and health benefits
- Helps in controlling high blood pressure
- Reduces cholesterol levels
- Rich in nutrients, every 100 grams of Tamarillo contain Vitamin A, C and E, apart from carbohydrates, protein, fibre, iron, potassium and calcium
Future
In June 2023, 250 cultivators of sweet cucumber and tree tomatoes in Nagaland received the “user authorize” to use Geographical Indication (GI) tagging of the North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation Ltd (NERAMAC) processing certification, providing a significant boost to the area’s farmers. The authorization would permit the applicants to use the GI symbol and certification on the produce they are marketing and thus, permit better returns.
Additionally, it will improve the competitiveness of the produce in both domestic and foreign markets and open up chances for higher income and a better standard of living. Due to its inability to generate enough goods, the state frequently failed to satisfy external demand. Farmers are encouraged to pursue large-scale production, which will ultimately benefit them in return. Nagaland needs to intervene by expanding the area to improve the production and promote the crop within and outside the state.
References
https://sahasa.in/2020/09/09/naga-tree-tomato/
https://morungexpress.com/250-cultivators-from-nagaland-are-granted-gi-tag-user-authorization
https://www.slurrp.com/article/all-you-need-to-know-about-the-naga-tree-tomato-1653534414254
