Amaravati, April 18, 2025 – Chilli farmers in Andhra Pradesh are reeling from a steep drop in prices this year, with rates falling from over ₹20,000 per quintal in 2023 to as low as ₹9,000–₹13,000 now. Despite investing heavily—up to ₹3 lakh per acre—farmers are now facing losses of ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh per acre due to low returns, pest damage, and high input costs.
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has urged the Centre to intervene and promised a support price of ₹11,781 per quintal. However, farmers say relief hasn’t reached them yet, with no clear guidelines for compensation. Cultivation area has dropped by over 2 lakh acres compared to last year, but hopes of higher prices due to reduced supply have not materialized, leaving many in financial distress.
