Prices threaten to sizzle for red chilli crops after Cyclone Michaung

Households may have to pay more for red chillies, as erratic weather in key producing areas threatens to dampen output of the Indian kitchen staple, leaving firms and consumers to fight off red-hot prices.

- Puja Das & Suneera Tandon

On 5 December, Cyclone Michaung made landfall near Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh, causing intense rainfall.

This may affect red chilli crop production across key districts of the state, resulting in high prices, according to analysts and economists.

"Cyclone Michaung’s aftermath poses challenges to India’s red chilli industry, impacting both crop yield and planting timelines. As Andhra Pradesh, a major chilli-producing region, faces damage, concerns about a delayed harvest and reduced output loom," said Ajay Kedia, director of Kedia Commodity Comtrade Pvt. Ltd.

The cyclone is expected to shrink red chilli crop availability for the 2023-24 season by about 15-20%, analysts said.