Delayed rains to make Khola chillies two times pricier

Panaji: The growing awareness about Khola chillies has piqued the interest of buyers thus increasing its demand. Crowned with the much sought-after GI-tag, Khola chillies of Canacona are set to sell at Rs 1,500 per kg this year as compared to Rs 800 otherwise.
“The market rate is likely to increase this season since the production this time is expected to be lesser compared to the past few years,” said agriculture director Nevil Alphonso.
“The poor quantity of pre-monsoon showers this summer failed to prepare the hilly areas for cultivation during the monsoon season,” he said, adding that erratic rainfall this month has not proved to be favourable either.
“By this time, the transplanting of the Khola chillies should have actively commenced. However, the meteorological conditions have affected the process. The delayed rainfall will lead to delay in harvest as well,” Anuradha Naik, an independent researcher and Khola chilli expert, told TOI.
The harvest, which usually takes place in September, is likely to be pushed to October.
Farmers of the Khola chillies are now forced to await steady showers to begin sowing the prized crop.
“There has been little to no rainfall on the slopes so far, which is bound to affect the soil and overall production of the chillies. We may not be able to keep up with the demand if the yield turns out to be poor. The prices are therefore bound to rise this season,” said Khola farmer Ratnakar Velip.
Khola chillies are unique owing to their deep red colour and have a medium-pungent taste. In January 2020, they received the geographical indication (GI) status following which, the demand for the lesser known red spice variant saw a steady increase. The chillies only grow on hilly areas and require proper rainfall for sapling sowing to commence.