DCM Shriram Consolidated Ltd joins hands with Arcadia for developing new tomato variety

NEW DELHI: Bioseed Research India Pvt. Ltd, a subsidiary of DCM Shriram Consolidated Ltd (DSCL) has joined hands with US based Arcadia Biosciences to develop Long Shelf Life (LSL) tomatoes. DSCL vice chairman and managing Vikram Shriram said that the new variety will help in prolonging shelf life of tomatoes which are exposed to high post harvest losses.

"These traits are valuable in a country like India where fresh market tomatoes are grown mostly in the field and post harvest handling and logistics is rather poor. We plan to grow our hybrid tomato seed business with this new technology which would increase the transportability and extend shelf life of the tomato in addition to high yield and high disease tolerance with improved field holding capacity," he said.

According to industry sources, an estimated 20-35 percent of tomatoes are lost to post-harvest damage in Asia. India is the fourth largest producer of tomatoes globally.

"Much of the fresh produce grown today either spoils on its way to consumers, reducing the value to farmers and grocers, or is picked before it begins to ripen, reducing taste and value for consumers. The LSL technology can minimize waste and, at the same time, improve the flavor and nutrition of the end product," said Eric Rey, president and CEO of Arcadia.