Red Chili Production Expected to Decline in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana

27-Jan-2026 09:19 PM

Hyderabad: Red chili production in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, two of South India's top producing states, is likely to decline significantly in the current 2025-26 season due to a reduction in the sown area and unfavorable weather conditions.

In Andhra Pradesh, red chili production is expected to fall from 6.62 lakh tonnes last year to 5.39 lakh tonnes this year. Similarly, the Telangana Rythu Sangham (Telangana Farmers' Association) has estimated that red chili production in the state will be around 4 lakh tonnes, significantly lower than the average annual production of 6.50 lakh tonnes.

Compared to last year, the area under red chili cultivation decreased from 1.96 lakh acres to 1.06 lakh acres in 2025. 

In Telangana, the area under cultivation has plummeted to 30,000 acres, down from 1.25 lakh acres five years ago.

Besides the sharp decline in the sown area, the crop in both states was also affected by unseasonal rains and pest and disease outbreaks.

The Andhra Pradesh Agriculture Minister has expressed optimism about a continued upward trend in red chili prices, while an agricultural university in Telangana had projected that red chili prices would range between Rs 13,500 and Rs 15,500 per quintal in January 2026.

The arrival of the new crop is expected to pick up soon. However, both domestic and export demand remain strong.