Red Chili Arrivals Lower Than Last Year, Prices Higher

20-Feb-2026 06:56 PM

New Delhi. Due to lower production at growing centers during the current season, daily arrivals of red chili peppers in the markets are declining compared to last year, while prices are quoting approximately ₹40/₹42 per kg higher than last year.

It is noteworthy that last year, at the end of February, the daily arrival of red chili peppers in the Guntur market was 1.20 lakh bags, and the price of red chili pepper Teja was quoted at ₹140 per kg. Last year, the arrival of red chili peppers in the Khammam market was 50/55 thousand bags, and the price of Teja was quoted at ₹140/₹141. In the Warangal market, arrivals were 38/40 thousand bags, and the price of Teja was quoted at ₹135/₹136. Currently, the arrival of red chili peppers in the Guntur market is 50,000/55,000 bags, and the price of Teja is being quoted at ₹182/183. The Khammam market is currently witnessing arrivals of 22,000/25,000 bags, and the price of Teja is being quoted at ₹181/182. In Warangal, arrivals are 22,000/25,000 bags, and the price of Teja remains strong at ₹180. Sources say that while the arrival of other commodities will improve in the coming days, a significant decline in prices is unlikely. Because of the low production, as well as the low stock of quality goods, the arrivals in the markets are also expected to be low. Due to poor sowing at producing centers, sources say that the production of red chili peppers in Andhra Pradesh will be limited to 125 million bags (each bag weighing 40/45 kg) during the current season, compared to last year's estimated production of around 3.6 million bags. Production in Telangana is also estimated to be 45-50 lakh bags compared to 60-65 lakh bags last year. Production in Madhya Pradesh was also low this year.

Perception

Experts believe that current prices are unlikely to decline significantly. Due to supply pressure, prices may fall by 5-7 rupees per kg. However, in the future, the price of red chilli Teja could reach 220-225 rupees.

Higher Exports

According to data released by the Spices Board, during April-November 2025, red chilli exports amounted to 481,446 tonnes, with export revenue of ₹6634 crore. In comparison, during the same period last year, exports were 378,061 tonnes, with export revenue of ₹6163.47 crore. This represents a 27 percent increase in exports and an 8 percent increase in revenue. During the year 2024-25 (April-March), the total export of red chilli was 715506 tonnes and the total income was Rs 11404.90 crore.