HEAVY RAINS DAMAGE CHILLI
CROP In the month of September and October major chilli growing areas
of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka received heavy rains due to cyclonic disturbances
in southern parts of India. These untimely rains have caused extensive damage
to the chilli crop. The fields are flooded with water and the root system of the
plants is badly damaged. Due to unattractive price of chillies last year
farmers have reduced area under chilli cultivation in almost all the regions.
The total area under chilli cultivation this year is about 40% less than last
year. The bad weather has further reduced the size of the crop. According to the
initial estimates, this year there will be 45%-50% reduction in chilli production
in comparison to last year's yield. This reduction in yield has already resulted
in bullish trend in prices. The prices are expected to go further up after March.
It is therefore highly recommended that customer cover their requirements before
March-April. | 
