Tome JC chili peppers are one of the most in-demand peppers globally. They have excellent flavor, good yields, and fetch high market prices. Read this article to learn how to profitably grow Tome JC chilies on your small farm.
Introduction to 'Tome JC' Chili Peppers
Tome JC, also known as 'Tome Jacinto', is an popular F1 hybrid chili preferred by commercial growers across the world. It is known for having great uniformity, vibrant red color, thick flesh and most importantly - exceptional taste.
This chili variety belongs to the Capsicum annum species and comes under the "sweet pepper" group. It has a Scoville rating of around 1,000 to 1,500 units which makes it a mild, yet flavorful chili.
Why Grow Tome JC Chili Peppers
Here are some key reasons why Tome JC makes an ideal crop for small commercial growers:
- Has very high demand globally due to great taste and vibrant red color
- Gives impressively high yields throughout the year
- Fetches very good farmgate prices due to high demand
- Can be grown easily with basic inputs and irrigation
- Low maintenance crop with good pest and disease tolerance
- Can be intercropped with coconut and other trees
Growing Requirements
Tome JC chili thrives best in warm, humid tropical regions with day temps of 75°F to 85°F. It requires at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. Well drained sandy loam or clay loam soils with pH of 5.5 to 7.0 are most suitable.
Land Preparation and Planting
Prepare raised beds of 1 to 1.5 feet height. Incorporate composted manure thoroughly into the soil. This enhances drainage and supplies vital nutrients.
Use a plant spacing of 15 to 30 inches between rows and 12 to 15 inches within rows. Closer spacing of 15" x 12" is recommended for small farms. Wider 30" x 15" spacing suits larger commercial production.
Irrigate immediately after transplanting seedlings. Install drip irrigation or overhead sprinklers for best growth.
Key Growing Tips
- Apply nitrogen fertilizer weekly or biweekly to maintain vigorous plant growth
- Use trellising strings for better sunlight exposure and ease of harvesting
- Prune off new shoots to retain around 5-6 main stems
- Harvest chilies once they fully turn red. Wear gloves to prevent skin irritation
Income Potential
An acre of well managed Tome JC chili plantation can yield on average about 7,500 Kgs per year. With current farmgate prices around LKR 500 per Kg, this can generate an annual net income of LKR 3.5 million or more.
Conclusion
Tome JC chili peppers offer an excellent income opportunity for small commercial farmers due to huge market demand. Follow proper agronomic practices for achieving bountiful yields and high profits year-round.
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