Residue-free chillies to boost exports

Farmers to get 1500 to 2000 per quintal on premium price IPM chillies

Guntur: Farmers who produced chillies under the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for the first time in the district is planning to export at least 50,000 metric tonnes during this season to get a better price. Initially, chilli is being cultivated in 10,000 hectares on a pilot basis. Farmers are expecting at least 25 quintals to 30 quintals yield per acre. They are planning to export chillies produced in Guntur to United States and European Countries. Byadiga variety of chilli powder is being used in pickles in United States and other countries because pickle colour lasts long. The colour extracted from chilli is also being used in the foods as a natural colour. Because of these characteristics there is good demand abroad for chillies.

However, since the last few years, European countries have been rejecting the chillies, because they contained more pesticide residues. Consequently, the traders are offering lower prices to the farmers, since they are not getting export orders. To boost chilli exports, the government encouraged farmers to start IPM on pilot basis during this season. The farmers have tied up with ITC, Priya Foods, Vijayakrishna Spices and other export companies. These companies have adopted some villages and are guiding the farmers on how to produce good quality for exports.

The farmers are also being provided guidance in methods to produce good quality chillies. IPM based cultivation will ensure less pesticide residues. Use of less pesticide will also reduce the cost of production to some extent. In addition to these advantages, they will also get premium price for their produce. The export companies have entered into an agreement to purchase chillies produced under the IPM. The farmers will get around Rs.1500 to 2000 per quintal from these companies.

Government is planning to increase chilli production under the IPM from next year onwards. To boost export orders, the Spices Board is posting details of chilli cultivators under IPM, on its website. The importing countries will place orders after getting the test lab reports, Deputy director of Horticulture K.Jayachandra Reddy said, "We are motivating the chilli farmers to produce chillies under the IPM. Importing countries place orders only if the chillies contain less pesticide. Farmers and exporters will get profits because chillies produced under IPM programme are of good quality. Scientists have already conducted awareness programmes among the farmers in 76 villages of 22 mandals.”

-BY Syam Sundar V L