Call to Halt Use of Harmful Chemicals in Red Chili Cultivation

19-Jun-2026 04:48 PM

Kurnool. Red chilies produced in Andhra Pradesh districts such as Guntur, Prakasam, Palnadu, Kurnool, and Nandyal are exported on a large scale to many countries worldwide, including China. China has been the largest buyer, with a particular preference for the 'Teja' variety of red chili.

However, Chinese importers have become increasingly cautious regarding Indian red chilies after samples from certain consignments shipped from India were found to contain residues of chemicals harmful to health exceeding permissible limits. Consequently, these consignments were rejected and returned, dealing a severe blow to exporters.

Taking a serious view of the matter, the Chilli Exporters Association of India has written to the Andhra Pradesh Department of Agriculture, Cooperation, and Marketing, urging a ban on the use of such harmful pesticide chemicals in red chili cultivation.

It has also suggested launching awareness campaigns at the village level to educate farmers about the dangers associated with these chemicals. The Association maintains that the use of these chemicals occurs at the farm level and does not involve the exporters.