Recent Rains Aid Byadagi Chilli Revival
North Karnataka’s sporadic recent rainfall is proving beneficial for the Byadagi chilli crop’s revival this season, according to local traders. The Byadagi chilli, known for its vibrant colour and mild heat, is a sought-after variety for culinary use and oleoresin extraction, both domestically and internationally. This variety is distinguished by its geographical indication (GI) tag. Basavaraj Hampali from Hampali Traders in Hubballi noted that these rains have positively impacted the Byadagi chilli in the region’s black soil areas. The crop, currently ripening, is expected to be harvested starting mid-December. The new crop’s dried chillies are anticipated in markets from January.
Overcoming Obstacles for Higher Yields
Despite initial setbacks, expanded cultivation and higher market prices from last season signal a robust recovery for Byadagi chilli.
The season faced initial setbacks due to irregular and insufficient rainfall, affecting transplantation in Dharwad, Haveri, Gadag, Bagalkot, Bellary, and Raichur districts. However, farmers expanded the cultivated area using borewells and farm ponds, motivated by the Byadagi chilli’s high market prices last season. Prices had soared to $6 or €5.5 per kg, almost doubling from the previous year’s $3 per kg, as per Hampali. Hampali also mentioned a 30% increase in acreage this year, with the crop faring well in many areas. Notably, the black thrips pest, which severely affected the chilli crop in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana two years ago, has seen reduced incidence this year due to effective management.
Mixed Prospects Amid Climatic and Pest Challenges
While traders remain optimistic, concerns persist over irregular rainfall, pest infestations, and disease-impacting crop quality.
Tejraj Patil of R G Patil & Co highlighted a 30-35% increase in cropped area, expanding into new regions in Bagalkot. He remains optimistic about the crop’s prospects, emphasising the importance of further rainfall in the next 10-15 days for a bumper yield. The industry also holds about 0.35 million bags of Byadagi chillies in carry-forward stocks, he added. Nagappa Kembi, another trader, anticipates a higher output than last year, though he cautions against heavy rainfall in the future.
Current trading prices for Byadagi varieties range from $4,8 to $7,2 per kg, compared to $1,8 to $2,88 per kg for Guntur varieties. While trade perspectives are generally positive, some concerns persist. Officials at the University of Horticulture Sciences, Bagalkot, observed that the crop’s condition is less promising in some rainfed areas due to inadequate rainfall. Furthermore, black thrips infestation has led to fewer fruits on chilli plants in certain areas. LG Hiregoudar from K H Patil Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Hulkoti, Gadag, echoed these concerns, citing inadequate rain and the emergence of powdery mildew disease in some locations as potential challenges for this season’s crop.
The recent rainfall in North Karnataka holds promise for a fruitful Byadagi chilli season, balancing the challenges of irregular weather and pest threats with optimistic market projections and enhanced cultivation efforts.