Red chilli (dry)

What it is

Ripe chillies sun-dried; sold whole, stemless, crushed, as powder and as oleoresin for colour.

Teja (S17), 334 (Sannam), Byadgi, Guntur and Wonder Hot typesWith stem and stemlessGraded by pungency (SHU) and colour (ASTA)

Where India produces it

1. Andhra Pradesh

   2024-25 (final): 1147114 tonnes

2. Telangana

   2024-25 (final): 600239 tonnes

3. Madhya Pradesh

   2024-25 (final): 321607 tonnes

4. Karnataka

   2024-25 (final): 204473 tonnes

5. Odisha

   2024-25 (final): 89000 tonnes

Where imports come from

India is the largest producer and exporter of chilli.

Rules before you buy or sell

• Farm-gate trade usually goes through a state APMC mandi or e-NAM; the state's market fee and trader licence rules apply.
• FSSAI licence or registration is needed to process, pack, store or sell it as food (Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006).
• Exporters register with the Spices Board (CRES); EU buyers test for aflatoxin and Sudan dyes.

Storage and handling

Cold stores in Guntur and Khammam hold dry chilli to keep colour; keep moisture below about 10%.

Businesses that use it

Red Chilli Powder Unit →Masala / Spice Grinding Unit →Pickle (Achar) Unit →Cryogenic Spice Grinding →Namkeen / Bhujia Unit →