Tomato Crop in Himachal Emerges as Major Carbon Absorber, Aids Climate Fight
Solan, Himachal Pradesh – A recent scientific study has revealed that the tomato crop in Himachal Pradesh is playing a vital role in mitigating climate change by acting as a significant carbon sink. Among various vegetables analyzed, tomatoes were found to absorb the highest amount of carbon.
Conducted by experts from Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, and Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, the study found that tomato crops achieved an average carbon sequestration rate of 197 quintals per hectare—higher than the average of 183.82 quintals per hectare across all crops studied.
This means tomato plants are exceptionally efficient in absorbing atmospheric carbon dioxide through photosynthesis and storing it in their biomass, including stems, leaves, and fruits. Despite their carbon-absorbing capabilities, crops like tomatoes and bell peppers also contribute to greenhouse gas emissions due to intensive farming practices and heavy use of fertilizers and pesticides.
The study highlights the complex dual role of tomato cultivation: both helping absorb carbon and contributing to emissions. Still, tomatoes stand out as one of the most effective crops in removing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.
This research has been published in the international journal Science of the Total Environment, with contributions from Dr. Pradeep Singh, Dr. Manoj Kumar Vaidya, Dr. Amit Guleria, and Dr. Pradeep Kumar Adhale.
3 Comments