India is one of the world’s leading producers and exporters of red chilli. Indian dry red chillies are widely used by spice manufacturers, food processors, wholesalers, distributors and importers across global markets.
The 2025–26 season has been an important year for India’s red chilli industry. According to the latest government estimates, chilli production has been affected by lower production in major growing states, particularly Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Despite this decline, India continues to be one of the world’s most important sources of dry red chilli.
For international buyers looking to source Indian dry red chilli in bulk, understanding India’s production, major growing regions, varieties and export market is essential.
India’s Red Chilli Production in 2025–26
According to the latest estimates from the Directorate of Arecanut and Spices Development (DASD), dry chilli production has declined during the 2025–26 season. The decline has been mainly associated with reduced area and production in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, which are among India’s largest chilli-producing states.
The government has attributed the decline to factors including excess rainfall during the sowing period, followed by pest problems such as thrips and diseases including leaf curl virus.
The latest official information can be found through the Directorate of Arecanut and Spices Development.
India’s chilli industry remains highly significant despite seasonal fluctuations because of its large production base, extensive processing infrastructure and established international export network.
Why Has Red Chilli Production Declined in 2025–26?
Several factors have affected India’s chilli production during the current season.
Excess Rainfall
Excess rainfall during the sowing period affected chilli cultivation in important production regions. Unfavourable weather conditions can affect plant establishment, flowering and overall crop development.
Pest and Disease Problems
Chilli farmers in major producing regions faced pest and disease pressure, particularly from thrips and leaf curl virus.
These problems can affect both crop yield and the quality of harvested chillies.
Lower Production in Major States
The government has specifically identified reductions in both area and production in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana as major reasons for the decline in dry chilli production during 2025–26.
This is particularly important for international buyers because these states are major sources of commercial Indian chilli varieties.
Major Red Chilli Producing States in India
India produces red chilli across several agricultural regions. Major production centres include Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh, along with other producing states.
Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh is one of India’s most important chilli-producing states and is internationally known for the Guntur chilli market.
Guntur is one of India’s major centres for chilli trading, processing and export. Several commercial varieties are sourced from the region, including Sannam and Teja.
For buyers looking for Indian Red Chilli Exporter, Guntur is an important sourcing origin because of its established chilli markets and supply infrastructure.
Telangana
Telangana is another major chilli-producing state and an important part of India’s dry chilli supply chain.
The state contributes significantly to domestic and international chilli markets. However, production was affected during the 2025–26 season by weather and crop-health conditions.
Karnataka
Karnataka is particularly well known for Byadgi chilli.
Byadgi chilli is valued for its rich red colour and comparatively lower pungency. It is widely used by spice manufacturers and food-processing companies where colour is an important product characteristic.
Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh is another important chilli-producing region in India.
The state supplies commercial chilli varieties to domestic markets as well as the export industry.
Popular Indian Dry Red Chilli Varieties
India produces many different varieties of dry red chilli. Buyers generally select a variety according to its pungency, colour, size, flavour and intended application.
Teja S17 Chilli
Teja S17 is one of the most popular high-pungency Indian chilli varieties in international trade.
It is widely used for:
- Chilli powder
- Spice blends
- Hot sauces
- Food processing
- Seasonings
- Oleoresin production
Buyers looking specifically for Teja S17 Red Chilli can select specifications according to pungency, colour, moisture, packing and destination requirements.
Sannam / 334 Chilli
Sannam is an important commercial chilli variety associated with the Guntur region.
It offers a combination of colour and pungency and is widely used in spice processing and international trade.
Byadgi Chilli
Byadgi chilli is famous for its rich red colour and comparatively moderate heat.
It is commonly used in spice blends and food-processing applications where strong natural colour is required without excessive pungency.
Wrinkled Red Chilli
Wrinkled red chilli varieties are also traded internationally and are used for chilli powder, sauces, seasonings and other food-processing applications.
India as a Major Red Chilli Exporter
India has a well-established spice export industry and chilli remains one of the country’s most important exported spices.
The Spices Board of India publishes India’s official spice production and export statistics and provides information on the country’s spice trade.
India’s large domestic production base, established chilli markets and processing infrastructure allow exporters to serve buyers across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe and North America.
For international buyers, the Indian market provides access to multiple chilli varieties and grades rather than a single standard product.
Major Markets for Indian Red Chilli
Indian red chilli is supplied to international markets across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe and North America.
Demand varies according to the requirements of each market.
Some buyers prefer high-pungency varieties such as Teja, while others prefer varieties such as Byadgi because of their strong colour and comparatively lower heat.
International buyers should therefore specify their required:
- Chilli variety
- Pungency level
- Colour / ASTA value
- Moisture
- Size
- Stem or stemless requirement
- Cleanliness
- Packaging
- Quantity
- Destination port
What International Buyers Look for in Indian Red Chilli
For bulk international purchases, buyers generally evaluate several quality parameters before confirming an order.
Colour
Colour is an important quality parameter for chilli used in food processing and spice manufacturing. ASTA colour value is commonly used when evaluating chilli colour.
Pungency
Pungency is another major specification. Different industries require different heat levels depending on the final product.
Moisture
Proper moisture levels are important for storage, transportation and maintaining product quality during international shipment.
Cleanliness
Export-quality chilli should be properly cleaned, sorted and graded to minimise foreign matter and unwanted materials.
Food Safety
Depending on the destination market, buyers may require testing for pesticide residues, aflatoxins, microbial parameters and other food-safety requirements.
Exporters may also need to provide documentation and certificates according to the regulations of the importing country.
Packaging
Dry red chilli can be packed according to buyer requirements, including PP bags, jute bags and customised packaging.
Why Guntur Is Important for India’s Chilli Export Industry
Guntur is one of India’s most important centres for chilli trading and processing.
The region provides exporters access to:
- Large chilli markets
- Multiple commercial varieties
- Processing and grading facilities
- Experienced suppliers and traders
- Quality testing facilities
- Established transportation networks
- Port connectivity
For international buyers, sourcing from established chilli markets such as Guntur can provide access to multiple varieties and grades.
i-Kar Exports – Indian Red Chilli Exporter
i-Kar Exports is an India-based merchant exporter dealing in agricultural commodities and spices for international markets.
The company sources Indian red chilli from major chilli-producing and trading regions and supplies products according to international buyer requirements.
i-Kar Exports supplies varieties including:
- Teja S17
- 334 / Sannam
- S4
- S10
- Byadgi
- Other Indian dry chilli varieties
The company’s Indian Red Chilli Exporter page provides information about Indian red chilli varieties, Guntur chilli, Teja chilli and export specifications.
Bulk Red Chilli Supply from India
International buyers can discuss their requirements with i-Kar Exports based on:
Variety + Quality + Quantity + Packing + Destination
Depending on the product and destination, buyers can discuss requirements related to:
- Colour
- Pungency
- ASTA value
- Moisture
- Size
- Stem / stemless
- Cleaning and grading
- Packaging
- Shipment quantity
- FOB / CIF requirements
For buyers interested in processed chilli products, i-Kar Exports also supplies Chilli Flakes for international markets.
From Indian Farms to Global Markets
The Indian red chilli supply chain starts with farmers and agricultural markets and continues through drying, collection, grading, cleaning, quality testing, packaging and international shipment.
A professional exporter plays an important role in connecting international buyers with India’s agricultural markets.
i-Kar Exports works with Indian sourcing networks to provide buyers with products according to their commercial requirements while supporting procurement, quality inspection, packaging and export logistics.
The company’s About i-Kar Exports page provides more information about its export activities and product portfolio.
The Outlook for Indian Red Chilli Exports
Although India’s chilli production has faced challenges during the 2025–26 season, the country continues to have strong fundamentals for red chilli exports.
India has:
- A large chilli farming base
- Major trading centres such as Guntur
- Multiple commercial chilli varieties
- Established processing infrastructure
- Experienced exporters
- International market access
- Strong demand from food and spice industries
For international buyers, selecting the correct variety and quality specification is becoming increasingly important.
Factors such as pungency, ASTA colour, moisture, size, cleanliness, pesticide residue limits and destination-country regulations can significantly affect the value and suitability of a chilli shipment.
Why Choose i-Kar Exports for Indian Red Chilli?
i-Kar Exports connects international buyers with Indian agricultural supply markets.
For bulk chilli requirements, buyers can request information regarding:
- Indian Teja chilli
- Guntur red chilli
- Sannam / 334 chilli
- Byadgi chilli
- Dry red chilli
- Chilli flakes
- Customized export packing
- Bulk container shipments
The company also handles other Indian agricultural commodities and spices, allowing international buyers to source multiple products from India.
Conclusion
India remains one of the world’s most important producers and exporters of red chilli.
The 2025–26 season has experienced production challenges, particularly in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, due to weather conditions, pest pressure and disease. However, India’s established chilli markets, diverse varieties and export infrastructure continue to make the country an important global source of dry red chilli.
From Teja S17 and Sannam to Byadgi and other commercial varieties, Indian chilli provides international buyers with options for different requirements related to pungency, colour and application.
For international buyers looking for Indian dry red chilli, Teja S17, Guntur chilli, Sannam, Byadgi or other Indian chilli varieties, i-Kar Exports can assist with sourcing, specifications, packaging and export logistics.
Contact i-Kar Exports for Indian red chilli export enquiries, bulk requirements and product quotations.
View Indian Red Chilli Export Products
Request Information About Teja S17 Red Chilli
Official Sources
Directorate of Arecanut and Spices Development – Government of India
