Economics of Mundu Chilli Cultivation in Ramanathapuram District of Tamil Nadu, India

Globally Indian chillies dominates the international chilli market. India holds the title for being the world's biggest producer, consumer, and exporter of chili. Indian chilli is considered to be world-famous for important commercial qualities of colour and pungency levels. In Tamil Nadu chilli is being cultivated as rainfed and irrigated conditions in many of the districts. In 2021-22 Tamil Nadu cultivated chilli in 0.5 lakh ha and produced 26,380 MT. In Tamil Nadu Ramanthapuram district alone cultivate Mundu type chilli which is unique in nature. In this study, economics of ramanathapuram mundu chilli is analyzed and discussed. The study uses both primary data and secondary data. Primary data collected from chillies cultivators in Ramanthapuram district during 2019-20. Based on the secondary data Kadaladi, Paramakudi and Ramnad blocks were purposively selected based on the area cultivated. The primary data with respect to costs and returns, marketing cost were collected using pre tested schedule through personnel interview method. Data pertaining to traders, processors retailers and exporters were also collected. The study says that chilli farmers incurs Rs.84,550 per hectare to cultivate mundu chilli in Ramanathapuram district and Rs.55,450 as net return and the BCR is 1.65.