Eggplant is a staple vegetable in our everyday meals, with various regional variations cultivated based on soil composition and environmental factors. In Tamil Nadu, several eggplant (brinjal) varieties thrive, including Manaparai, Kolathur and Elavambadi eggplants. Among these, the Manaparai eggplant holds a distinct significance. This particular variety is extensively grown in the vicinity of Manaparai district in Trichy.
The Manaparai eggplant is now being cultivated in various areas within the Pudukottai district. Farmers assert that it boasts abundant nutrients and medicinal attributes, leading to increasing demand and sales of this specific eggplant variety among consumers. It contains a lot of nutrients and medicinal properties. Also, it is a good source of manganese, copper, potassium and iron.
Among the various eggplant varieties such as green, light green, white and purple, the Sandstone eggplant distinguishes itself with its purple hue. Kumar, a farmer from Pudukottai district, highlighted that the Manaparai eggplant has garnered special attention in the region due to its natural farming practices, devoid of any chemical interventions.
Farmers claim that this eggplant variety possesses a unique flavour profile, distinctly different from the Matta eggplant when cooked and consumed. Consequently, farmers in Pudukottai district are progressively engaging in the cultivation and sale of the Manaparai eggplant, as shared by Kumar.
Sarathkumar, a farmer from Pudukottai, emphasises the potential for higher income through natural eggplant cultivation methods. He outlines the process for cultivating the Manaparai variety naturally, stating, “To grow Manaparai eggplants naturally, begin by thoroughly drying the cultivable land. Then, plough the land twice, ensuring proper drainage, and proceed with planting the saplings. After planting, water the crops once a week and use natural fertilisers like organic compost (such as dung from livestock) as manure. Approximately 20 days after transplanting the seedlings, remove the weeds between the plants. Following these steps, after around four months, a bountiful harvest can be expected. During the initial harvest, the presence of pests is minimal as artificial chemical fertilisers are not utilised.”
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