In a twist of nature’s fate, Cyclone Michaung, a recent visitor to Andhra Pradesh, has left its mark on the region’s red chilli crop. Heavy rains accompanying the cyclone have sown the seeds of concern among exporters, predicting a potential shrinkage of about 15-20% in the forthcoming chilli harvest. The impact is expected to be most pronounced in districts like Guntur, Ongole, Krishna, and Khammam, where the fiery red chillies have faced the brunt of the storm.
Planting Season Takes a Rain Check
Adding a layer of complexity, the planting season has faced a rain check courtesy of the cyclone’s disruptions. Inadequate water availability and pushback in the planting schedule will likely result in a delay of about a month in the chilli crop’s growth cycle. The aftermath of Michaung with the coastal areas has raised concerns about the overall crop size, with some farmers contemplating the need for re-planting in the affected regions.
Andhra’s Anthem – Chilli Crop’s Swell and Swoon
Andhra Pradesh, the reigning champion in red chilli production, is facing the most significant contributor to India’s fiery spice repertoire. Following closely are the spice enthusiasts of Telangana and the spice maestros of Madhya Pradesh. The recent cyclonic interlude has left its mark on these spice havens, posing challenges to the vibrant chilli landscape.
Price Ripples As The Red Chilli Market Feels the Heat
As the chilli fields grapple with the aftermath of Michaung’s theatrics, the market experiences ripples of change. Prices in prominent chilli markets like Guntur and Khammam have already climbed. The All India Chilli Exporters Association Chairman predicts a further surge of $0,12 in the coming days. The spice bazaar is on the brink of a fiery stir as uncertainties loom over the crop’s fate.
Harvest Timelines and Cold Storage Stocks
Despite the stormy setback, some voices in the spice community find solace in the rain. A delayed planting season due to water scarcity has spared a portion of the crop in the flowering and fruit formation stages. Harvesting is anticipated to commence in February, with districts like Kurnool and Anantapur, where planting adhered to the timeline, expecting an earlier harvest in January.
As the spice lands navigate the aftermath of Cyclone Michaung, uncertainty hangs in the air like the aroma of freshly ground chillies. The true extent of the damage and the crop’s fate will unfold in the coming weeks. The chilli market is bracing for impact, with a potential surge in prices as the chilli fields recover from the storm’s onslaught. With cold storage stocks in Andhra and Telangana hovering around 3.5 million, spice enthusiasts await the unfolding chapters of India’s chilli market.
The spice community exemplifies resilience and adaptability in the face of nature’s spice storms. While uncertainties cloud the horizon, the spice enthusiasts remain undeterred, ready to weather the storms and spice up the market once again