Problems of red chilli growers and cold storage units – A case study of Guntur district

Red chilli is the most widely used spice in the world. India is the world leader in chilli production followed by China and Pakistan. India is not only the largest producer but also the largest consumer of chilli in the world. Chillies are grown in almost all the states throughout the country. Andhra Pradesh is the largest producer of Chilli in India and contributes about 26% to the total area under Chilli production. The major chilli growing districts in Andhra Pradesh are Guntur, Warangal, Khammam, Krishna and Prakasam. Guntur district is the biggest potential region, contributing 30% of the total production of Andhra Pradesh, with an annual turnover of around Rs.600 crore. It stands first with respect to area, production and productivity. There are 235 cold storage units (2008) in Andhra Pradesh with a total capacity of 569,307 tons. There are 286 cold storage houses in Andhra Pradesh by the year ending 2010 for all products put together. Among them 199 cold storage houses are specially meant for chillies. Though they are registered as multipurpose cold storage houses, about 99% of the houses are used for storing chillies. At present (2012) Guntur district has about 120 cold storage units and as many as 86 cold storage units are in and around Guntur city itself. Both the chilli growers and cold storage units expressed that they are suffering from certain problems while storing chilli produce. Therefore, an in depth study in this matter can clear all the ambiguities and show the way to come out of the problems which ultimately help the chilli growers in the district in particular and the country in general. (Keywords: Chilli Production - Cold storage units – Growers – Problems – In depth study)