Chilli acreage is set to expand during the ongoing kharif season, with stakeholders expecting the area to return to 2024-25 levels on the back of higher prices and lower carry-forward stocks. Farmers in key producing States such as Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh are seen increasing the area under the spice crop.
“We do not see any impact of El Niño on the chilli crop, as it can be grown under relatively dry conditions. With prices ruling firm, farmers are expected to expand acreage across all major growing States in the South as well as Madhya Pradesh. We expect acreage this year to be similar to that of 2024, when chilli was grown over a record area,” said Velagapudi Sambasiva Rao, President, Chilli Exporters Association, Guntur. Last year, farmers had reduced the area under chilli as returns were hit by a bumper crop and lower prices. However, the current price levels have revived farmer interest in the crop.
