Great potential for export of Guntur chillies

The volume of chilly exports have touched an all time high of Rs 3,600 crore from Guntur market, in the current fiscal 2014-15 when compared to annual records in the past decade.

Guntur chillies known the world over for their pungency, have a massive potential for exports to Indian states and abroad. Exports would not only boost foreign exchange reserves for the country but also the economy of chilly farmers.

However, the subject of export appears to be a no-show by the state agriculture department, agriculture market yard or the Spices Board. The agriculture department has not applied its mind on preparing a class of farmers who could produce chillies using organic fertilizers and export stipulations.

The Spices Board has schemes and subsidies to groom farmers into an export class who would produce pesticide residues-free chillies. However, the Board's role is limited to clinically test and certify chillies readied for exports. Spices Board scientist and director Padmaja said that despite limitations she has been inspiring farmers to grow export quality chillies to meet specifications.

“USA imports chillies from other countries including India but despite great demand for Guntur Chilly, chillies from India are being rejected due to the presence of pesticide residues beyond permitted levels. America and gulf countries extract oil from chillies, which is equalant to chilly powder spice value in India.

One quintal of chillies is fetching Rs 10,000 in domestic market whereas export chillies fetch them Rs 15,000 per quintal,” she said. Exporter Janga Narsareddy said that farmers use high quantity of pesticides and fertilizers to get higher yield and in the process lose its food value.

“If the farmers could be educated and groomed up into export class farmers, they could earn a lot more even if the yield comes down a bit,” he said. Speaking to The Hans India, Guntur market committee selection grade secretary Y Rama Mohana Reddy said that chillies are exported to other states of India and to USA, Sri Lanka, Middle East, England, Singapore, Malasia, Pakisthan and Germany.

The export varieties 334, Super 10 and Teja varieties are in great demand in countries abroad. Of late, the Spices Board has inaugurated its Spices Park, which can house thirty-five processing units but as of now, eighteen units were given approval.

Guntur MP Galla Jayadev also pitched for the establishment of a Chillies Board on the lines of Tobacco Board. While much can be done on the export front very little is done as of now. The state government can take the lead in this regard and generate employment to thousands of youth.