Khargone Chillies is Spicing Up Global Markets

Khargone district in Madhya Pradesh is renowned for its chilli cultivation. As the sowing season begins, the district's fields will soon transform into a sea of red. After harvesting, drying, and packing, these chillies will make their way to the Bediya Wholesale Market, one of Asia's largest chilli markets. From here, Khargone chillies are distributed across India, China, and, recently, Europe.

Government and Institutional Support

The state government, along with the Madhya Pradesh Industrial Development Corporation and the district administration, is actively promoting Khargone chillies under the 'One District One Product' scheme. This initiative aims to boost local production and facilitate export opportunities. As part of this plan, 200 new industrial units are set to be established in the district, focusing on aiding local farmers, especially chilli farmers. These units will help process and export chilli products.

Chilli cultivation in Khargone spans over 45,000 hectares. The Khargone-based Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) Terragleb plays a significant role in this. With the collaboration of 300 farmers, Terragleb cultivates chilli on 600 acresand exports it to Europe. According to the director of Terragleb, the variety 'Mahi Stemless' is grown under the Integrated Pest Management System. This system not only reduces pest infestation but also minimises pesticide use. Resulting in a high-quality product that costs 20% less to produce and sells for up to 10% more.

Achievements and Future Plans

Terragleb's efforts have borne fruit, with 5.5 tonnes of chilli recently exported to London, marking the first export from Khargone to Europe. This chilli will be distributed to various destinations from London. The FPO now aims to enter the American market, preparing to meet the stringent standards required for export to the United States.

Local farmers are reaping significant profits from chilli cultivation. In the past five years, both the area under chilli cultivation and the production volume have nearly doubled. According to the Horticulture Department, chilli production in 2018-19 was 63,424 tonnes over 25,369 hectares. By 2022-23, production had surged to 139,668 tonnes over 46,556 hectares. This remarkable growth highlights the district's potential as a significant player in the global chilli market.

Khargone chillies are set to make a significant mark on the global stage. With robust support from the government and local institutions, the district is well-equipped to expand its reach beyond India, China, and Europe. The success stories of local farmers and the establishment of new industrial units highlight the economic potential of this agricultural product. As Khargone continues to increase its production and improve its processing capabilities, the future of its chilli industry looks bright.