Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu—Chili farmers are witnessing jaw-dropping price surges as Mundu and Samba varieties breach 20,000 rupees per quintal in local markets. The dramatic rise stems from widespread crop failures triggered by pests, diseases, and drought.
Cultivation area has plummeted to 13,500 hectares from 15,050 last year, largely due to lingering effects of fungal outbreaks. With harvesting underway, thin market supplies have propelled rates sky-high.
M. Ramar, a seasoned chili grower and exporter, reports Mundu prices climbing to 25,000-36,000 rupees per quintal, up from the usual 13,000-20,000 range. Samba chilies are now at 20,000-25,000 rupees, compared to 12,000-15,000 previously. Per kg, Samba trades at 220 rupees and Mundu at 360 rupees in regulated markets.
Horticulture experts reveal that pests have ravaged over 2,500 hectares, while drought has compounded the damage. Only irrigated fields or those supplemented by costly tankers survived intact.
‘We’ve never seen prices this high, but it’s no victory—our yields are decimated,’ said Ayyappan, a local farmer. The community is pressing the state government for immediate drought aid and long-term solutions like resilient varieties and improved water access.
As India’s spice basket faces this setback, consumers may brace for higher chili prices nationwide, affecting everything from home cooking to exports. Authorities are assessing the full extent of losses to roll out relief measures swiftly.