MTS Sandei’s Harvester Boosts Efficiency and Cuts Costs

MTS Sandei stands at the forefront of European agricultural innovation, building on a legacy that began in 1967 with the creation of the continent’s first self-propelled tomato harvester. Since then, the company has fused decades of ingenuity with cutting-edge engineering to develop harvesting machines that do more than perform, they transform productivity in the field.

Precision-built in Pontenure, Italy, every MTS Sandei harvester is engineered to think and work smarter. The machines deliver the power required by large-scale producers while maintaining the finesse needed to handle delicate crops such as tomatoes and peppers. This balance enables farmers to protect crop quality without sacrificing speed or efficiency.

Propelled by continuous research, meticulous craftsmanship, and an unwavering commitment to growers, MTS Sandei keeps redefining what automated harvesting can achieve. The company isn’t merely manufacturing equipment; it is shaping the future of agricultural excellence, one field at a time.

In an exclusive conversation with The Interview World at Agrimach India 2025, Matteo Migliorini, Export Manager at MTS Sandei, explains the standout features of the company’s self-propelled tomato harvester, outlines its benefits for farmers, and underscores the significant cost advantages it brings to both growers and the food-processing industry.

The key takeaways from his compelling conversation follow.    

Q: Could you elaborate on the unique features of the self-propelled tomato harvester designed by MTS Sandei?

A: Our machine is a tomato harvester designed specifically for processing tomatoes. In other words, it does not serve the fresh-market segment; instead, it supports tomatoes destined for industrial processing. While India hosts several processing facilities, most of its tomato production still targets the fresh market. In fact, India is the world’s second-largest producer of fresh tomatoes, yet its processing industry remains relatively small.

To illustrate the machine’s impact, one harvester can perform the work of roughly 1,000 labourers though through a completely different approach. In the current system, farmers grow varieties that require multiple harvests, or “flushes.” Workers enter the field several times to allow green tomatoes to ripen before each round of picking.

Our machine introduces an entirely different concept. It operates in a single flush. Once the entire field reaches the optimal ripeness, thanks to varieties specifically bred for this harvesting method, the operator enters with the harvester, completes the job in one pass, and the crop is finished for the season. This represents not just a new technology, but a new mindset and production philosophy.

Q: In what ways does this machine benefit farmers?

A: As I mentioned, this machine can perform the work of roughly 1,000 people, which makes it dramatically more efficient. I know firsthand how demanding the job is, I harvested tomatoes and other crops as a boy, and the work is neither easy nor pleasant. This harvester takes on that burden, allowing farmers to redirect labour to more productive tasks.

For processing factories, the impact is even more significant. They rely on stable, predictable supply. Today, many facilities operate using tomatoes rejected from the fresh market, which creates inconsistency and limits production planning. With this machine, factories gain a steady flow of processing-grade tomatoes grown specifically for industrial use. As a result, they achieve consistent output, reliable scheduling, and far better cost efficiency.

Q: What cost advantages does this tomato harvester offer to farmers or the food processing industry?

A: You also need to consider a broader reality. In India, just as in many other countries, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find people willing to do manual harvesting, especially at the scale and efficiency that modern agriculture demands. This challenge makes mechanization not just useful, but essential.

For the processing industry, the primary objective is to stabilize production and secure a reliable supply of tomatoes at the required volumes. For farmers, the advantage is equally compelling. When they cultivate enough acreage, particularly within Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), which are common in India, they can operate multiple harvesters and dramatically increase productivity.

Each machine can replace the work of thousands of labourers, enabling farmers to reduce labour costs while boosting efficiency. As a result, harvesting becomes faster, more consistent, and significantly more economical.

Q: Are there any additional features or insights you would like to share with our readers?

A: You can see it even more clearly on the machine itself. It comes equipped with built-in sorting systems that automatically remove rocks, plant material, and other debris. As a result, the tomatoes that reach the truck or trailer are already clean and ready for delivery.

This means the machine is not only fast but also remarkably precise. It produces a harvest that is uniform, clean, and visually appealing. By the time the tomatoes arrive, fully red and perfectly sorted, they embody what we in Europe call “red gold,” already prepared for immediate processing at the factory.