Farmer Noel says tomato business worth millions

August 24, 2024 7:30 am | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

By Amona Kellen.

Leisong Noel, a market vendor from the island of Moso, makes the weekly trip to Manples Market to sell her homegrown tomatoes valued over VT 3 million a month. Her routine is a proof of her hard work and commitment to supporting her family.

According to a fellow market vendor, Mrs. Noel employs an exact method to cultivate her tomatoes.

“I plant them two feet apart, buries the stems, and establishes stakes around each plant to provide support as they grow,” she said.

Tomatoes expand in warm temperatures and require six to eight hours of full sunlight daily. In the initial days, it’s crucial to keep them well-watered, followed by a consistent two inches of water per week.

“Tomatoes are summer vegetables and are typically grown as annuals. The top time for planting is from March to June,” the vendor explained.

A Manples Market vendor added that the growing period for tomatoes can vary importantly; depending on seasonal changes and local weather conditions, it can take anywhere from 50 to over 80 days for tomatoes to go from seedlings to harvest-ready.

For Mrs. Noel, selling tomatoes is more than just a business—it’s a means to support her family.

“To help my family, I have to work hard each week, earning money for essentials like food, utilities, school fees, and church commitments,” she added.

On average, Mrs. Noel sells four containers of tomatoes each week. “Depending on the market conditions, if business is good, I can earn between Vatu (VT)30,000 to VT50,000 in a week,” she noted.

Her dedication underscores the role of local vendors in sustaining their communities.