Raichur: The long-anticipated chilli market in the district is finally becoming a reality, fulfilling a promise made during numerous elections.
Construction is progressing rapidly at the 13.5-acre APMC site in the city, with the market expected to be operational by the next season.
In the Tungabhadra Dam Command area, including Raichur, traditionally known for rice production, red chilli cultivation gained prominence over the past decade. The region’s soil, previously suitable for cotton and chilli before widespread rice cultivation, witnessed a shift in farming patterns.
Farmers increasingly opted for chilli cultivation due to its lower water requirements, reduced costs, and higher profitability. The district’s abundant sunlight creates ideal conditions for chilli cultivation.
Even with fruitful harvests, farmers encountered challenges in reaching Bydagi and other far-off markets. Ningappa Jakkaladinni, a chilli farmer, explains, “Once the crop was sent to the market, we had no choice but to accept the prevailing prices. Moreover, we incurred expenses for loading, unloading, and transportation. Many times, we faced significant losses due to unfavourable pricing.”
Currently, Devdurg taluk is the leading chilli cultivator with 7,000 hectares, while Manvi cultivates 600 hectares, Raichur 500 hectares, Lingasugur 450 hectares, Sindhanur and Sirwara 200 hectares each, and Maski 50 hectares. This substantial production, combined with its inclusion in the central govt’s One District, One Product initiative, intensified the need for a dedicated chilli market, akin to the cotton facility at APMC.
Raichur City MLA S Shivaraj Patil states, “Initially, we arranged for chilli sales every Sunday during the season. This was later expanded to two days a week and eventually to daily sales. As demand continued to rise, we submitted a request for a grant of Rs 33 crore to the govt for the establishment of a comprehensive chilli market, along with a proposal for a cold storage facility on a four-acre site.”
The initiative will aid chilli cultivators in the district and farmers from adjacent Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. At present, 32% to 40% of chillies from these states are traded in the Byadgi market. Establishing a chilli market in Raichur would attract produce from both states and potentially grow the district as an alternative trading hub to Byadgi.