Chili is one of the most important cash crop of Khargone district after Cotton. Chili cultivation area and production are increasing in the district year by year. One of the largest Chili Mandi is situated here in Khargone district at Bediya near Sanawad.
Chili is the main spice crop of India. It is used in both green and red states. The pungency of chili is due to the ingredient called Capsaicin (8-methyl-N-vanillyl-6-nonenamide), which is used in making spices, chutneys, pickles and sauces. Capsaicin and Oleoresin obtained from chilies are used in various industries. India is the largest producer, consumer and exporter of chili in the world. Farmers can get an average net profit of 1 to 1.5 lakh rupees per acre from chili cultivation.
Climate – A humid hot climate is suitable for chili cultivation. A dry climate is required in the fruit maturity stage. Fruits and flowers fall from high temperatures in summer season, 16 to 21 degree Celsius is suitable for fruit formation. Chili cultivation requires a temperature of 15 – 35 ° C and a hot humid climate.
Soil – Chili cultivation can be done in all types of lands but good drainage and organic loamy loam, medium black loam soil with pH value of 6.5 to 7.5 is best suited for chilli cultivation. Soils which do not have proper drainage system are unsuitable for chili cultivation.
Advanced varieties of chilies: Kashi Anmol, Arka Sufal, Arka Lohit, Pusa Jwala etc.
Hybrid varieties of chilies: Select Kashi Early, Kashi Surkh, Arka Meghna, Arka Sweta, Arka Harita.
Hybrid varieties of chilies developed by private companies: Navtej, Mahi 456, Mahi 453, Sonal, HPH-12, Roshni, Shakti 51, etc. are being cultivated by farmers. Farmer brothers choose varieties that are suited to the local environment and are demanded in the market.
