Red Pepper Prices Firm on Lower Sowing Outlook

18-Oct-2025 01:23 PM

Mumbai. Domestic red pepper production has declined by 30-40 percent this year compared to last year, and natural disasters have also caused crop damage in some areas. Consequently, production is expected to decline and market prices remain firm. However, due to the large backlog of red pepper stocks and lack of encouraging export demand, a significant increase in prices appears unlikely.

This year, red pepper has been sown on a smaller area in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra. This delay in sowing has also led to a delay in the arrival of the new crop. Acreage under red pepper is estimated to decline by 40 percent each in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, and 50 percent in Karnataka. The sowing process has already been completed. Excessive rainfall in some areas destroyed the first crop sown, forcing farmers to replant.

Acreage under the general category, as well as the good-colored and superior quality Byadagi, Dabbi, and 5531 red chili varieties, has declined. The Byadagi area in Karnataka has decreased by about 50 percent. Sowing in Madhya Pradesh is reported to have decreased by 30 percent. Excessive rainfall and waterlogging in fields have partially damaged the Byadagi red chili crop. However, the crop condition in the Ballari region is reported to be quite good.

The price of red chili has strengthened somewhat in recent days and has now stabilized within a certain range. Compared to July-August, it has increased by about 15 percent, and its average price is ₹13,000/₹13,500 per quintal. Prices for good quality are higher, while those for inferior quality are lower. According to rough estimates, approximately 15 million bags of red chili peppers are currently in cold storage, which is the same as last year. The current crop is expected to arrive about a month late, around January 20, 2026. Production is expected to decline, so prices may remain firm in the future.