India is one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of red chilli. Indian dry red chillies are widely used by spice manufacturers, food processing companies, wholesalers, distributors and importers across the world.
The 2025–26 chilli season has been an important year for India’s chilli industry. According to the latest estimates from the Spices Board of India, India’s chilli production is estimated at around 2.46 million tonnes (24.64 lakh tonnes) during 2025–26.
Although production is lower than the previous year, India continues to have a strong position in the global red chilli market because of its large production base, wide range of varieties, established processing industry and well-developed export network.
India’s Red Chilli Production in 2025–26
According to the latest advance estimates published by the Spices Board of India, chilli production in India is estimated at approximately 2,464,180 metric tonnes during 2025–26.
The estimated area under chilli cultivation is around 785,680 hectares.
For comparison, chilli production during 2024–25 was estimated at approximately 2,694,838 metric tonnes from around 789,202 hectares.
This represents an estimated decline of approximately 8.6% in production compared with the previous season.
The 2025–26 production figure is an advance estimate and may be revised as additional data becomes available.
Why Has Red Chilli Production Declined in 2025–26?
Several factors have affected chilli production during the current season.
Excess Rainfall
Excess rainfall during the sowing period affected chilli cultivation in some major producing regions. Unfavourable weather conditions can impact plant establishment, flowering and crop development.
Pest and Disease Problems
Chilli farmers in some major production regions faced problems related to pests and diseases, particularly thrips and leaf curl virus.
These problems can reduce crop yield as well as the quality of harvested chillies.
Changes in Cultivated Area
The estimated area under chilli cultivation declined slightly from approximately 789,202 hectares in 2024–25 to 785,680 hectares in 2025–26.
Although the reduction in area was relatively limited, lower yields in some important producing regions contributed to the overall fall in production.
Major Red Chilli Producing States in India
India produces red chilli in several states, with Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh among the most important producing regions.
Other states including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan also contribute to India’s chilli production.
Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh is one of India’s most important chilli-producing states and is particularly famous for the Guntur chilli market.
Guntur is one of the country’s major centres for chilli trading, processing and export. The region produces and trades several commercial varieties, including Sannam and Teja.
The famous Guntur Sannam S4 chilli is known for its strong red colour, thick skin and pungency.
Guntur’s established agricultural markets, processing facilities and logistics network make it an important sourcing destination for exporters.
Telangana
Telangana is another major chilli-producing state in India.
The state contributes significantly to India’s domestic and export chilli supply. Production in the region was affected by weather and pest-related issues during the 2025–26 season.
Karnataka
Karnataka is particularly well known for Byadgi chilli.
Byadgi chilli is valued for its deep red colour and comparatively lower pungency. It is widely used by food manufacturers, spice companies and processors that require strong natural colour without excessive heat.
Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh is another important chilli-producing region.
The state produces several commercial varieties and supplies chilli to both domestic markets and the export industry.
Popular Indian Dry Red Chilli Varieties
India offers a wide range of red chilli varieties. Different varieties are selected depending on their colour, pungency, size, flavour and intended application.
Teja S17 Chilli
Teja S17 is one of India’s most popular high-pungency chilli varieties in international trade.
It is widely used for:
- Chilli powder
- Spice blends
- Hot sauces
- Food processing
- Seasonings
- Oleoresin production
Teja chilli is particularly popular among buyers looking for high pungency.
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, food products and applications where colour is more important than extreme pungency.
Wrinkled Red Chilli
Wrinkled red chilli varieties are also traded internationally and are used for chilli powder, sauces, seasoning products and other food-processing applications.
India as a Major Red Chilli Exporter
India’s strong production base has helped the country become one of the world’s major chilli exporters.
According to the Spices Board of India, India exported approximately 683,681 tonnes of chilli during FY 2025–26, compared with approximately 715,506 tonnes during 2024–25.
Chilli accounted for approximately 27% of India’s total spice export earnings in 2025–26, making it one of the most important products in India’s spice export industry.
India exported approximately 1.734 million tonnes of spices and spice products during FY 2025–26, with total export value of approximately ₹39,140 crore (US$4.43 billion).
These figures highlight the importance of Indian chilli in the country’s agricultural export sector.
Major Markets for Indian Red Chilli
Indian red chilli is exported to markets across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe and North America.
Important international markets for Indian spices and chilli include:
- USA
- China
- UAE
- Bangladesh
- Saudi Arabia
- United Kingdom
- Thailand
- Malaysia
- Indonesia
- Sri Lanka
- Germany
- Netherlands
- Canada
- Nepal
- Australia
Demand varies according to the requirements of individual markets.
Some buyers prefer high-pungency varieties such as Teja, while others prefer varieties such as Byadgi because of their strong colour and lower heat.
What International Buyers Look for in Indian Red Chilli
For bulk international purchases, buyers generally consider several quality parameters before finalising an order.
Colour
Colour is an important parameter for chilli used in food processing and spice manufacturing. ASTA colour value is commonly used for evaluating colour quality.
Pungency
Pungency is another major specification. Buyers may require different heat levels depending on their final product.
Moisture
Proper moisture levels are important for storage, transportation and maintaining product quality.
Cleanliness
Export-quality chilli should be properly cleaned and sorted to minimise foreign matter and unwanted materials.
Food Safety
Depending on the destination country, buyers may require testing for pesticide residues, aflatoxins, microbial parameters and other food-safety requirements.
Packaging
Indian dry red chilli can be packed according to buyer requirements, including bulk PP bags, jute bags and customized packaging.
Why Guntur Is Important for Red Chilli Export
Guntur is one of India’s most important centres for chilli trading and processing.
The region provides exporters with access to:
- Large chilli markets
- Multiple chilli varieties
- Processing and grading facilities
- Experienced suppliers and traders
- Quality testing facilities
- Established transportation networks
- Port connectivity
Guntur’s established chilli ecosystem makes it an important sourcing hub for international buyers looking for Indian dry red chilli.
i-Kar Exports – Indian Red Chilli Exporter
i-Kar Exports is an Indian merchant exporter dealing in agricultural commodities and spices for international markets.
The company sources red chilli from major Indian chilli-producing and trading regions and supplies products according to the requirements of international buyers.
i-Kar Exports can source and supply varieties such as:
- Teja S17
- 334 / Sannam
- Byadgi
- Wrinkled Red Chilli
- Other varieties based on buyer requirements
The company focuses on bulk procurement, quality specifications, packaging and international export logistics.
For buyers looking to import Indian dry red chilli, i-Kar Exports can assist with product selection, specifications, quantity, packaging and shipping requirements.
Visit i-Kar Exports to learn more about Indian agricultural commodities and export products:
For red chilli export requirements:
From Indian Farms to Global Markets
The Indian red chilli supply chain starts with farmers and local 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 major agricultural markets.
At i-Kar Exports, sourcing from established production and trading centres enables international buyers to access Indian chilli while receiving support for:
- Product sourcing
- Variety selection
- Quality specifications
- Bulk procurement
- Packaging
- Export documentation
- Shipping
- International logistics
This makes the sourcing process easier for overseas spice importers, wholesalers, distributors and food manufacturers.
Outlook for India’s Red Chilli Export Market
Although India’s estimated chilli production has declined in 2025–26, the country continues to have strong fundamentals for red chilli exports.
India has a large farming base, established chilli markets, experienced exporters, processing infrastructure and strong international demand.
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.
With major production and trading centres such as Guntur, a wide variety of commercial chillies and an established export ecosystem, India is expected to remain an important global supplier of dry red chilli.
Conclusion
India’s red chilli production is estimated at approximately 2.46 million tonnes during 2025–26, according to the latest advance estimates from the Spices Board of India.
Despite the estimated decline from the previous season, India remains one of the world’s most important red chilli producers and exporters.
From Teja S17 and Sannam to Byadgi and other commercial varieties, Indian chilli offers international buyers a wide range of options based on pungency, colour and application.
For international buyers looking for bulk Indian dry red chilli, Teja chilli, Guntur chilli or other Indian chilli varieties, i-Kar Exports can help with sourcing, quality requirements, packaging and export logistics.
Contact i-Kar Exports for Indian red chilli export enquiries, bulk requirements and product quotations.
Website: https://ikarexports.com/
Red Chilli Export: https://ikarexports.com/red-chilli-exporter-in-india/
Sources
Spices Board of India – Indian spice production and export statistics:
https://www.indianspices.com/
Directorate of Arecanut and Spices Development (DASD) – Spice production estimates:
https://dasd.kerala.gov.in/
Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India:
https://commerce.gov.in/
