Transforming India Through Agriculture

About Chilli

Chilli is one of the most important commercial crops grown in India. India is the leading producer, consumer, and exporter of chilli in the world. The major chilli-growing states in India are Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh, which together account for nearly 80% of the area under chilli cultivation in the country. Chilli can be cultivated in a wide range of soils, from light sandy soils to heavy soils, but it is highly sensitive to waterlogging. It is grown under both irrigated and rainfed conditions. Despite being a rainfed crop, farmers consider chilli one of the key commercial crops.

Problems Faced by Farmers

Fungal diseases pose significant challenges in chilli cultivation, with issues like fruit rot, dieback, wilt, cercospora leaf spot, and powdery mildew being among the most common problems. Additionally, pests such as fruit borers, thrips, and mites present major challenges to chilli growers.