Nunhems Indu Chilli is a high-yielding, hybrid hot pepper variety that is suitable for cultivation in all states of India. It is a semi-spreading plant with an umbrella-like canopy, and it produces compact and attractive fruits. The fruits are shiny green in colour when immature, and they turn red when ripe. They are firm and glossy, and they have a good pungency.
Key Features:
-
High-yielding variety
-
Suitable for all states of India
-
Semi-spreading plant with umbrella-like canopy
-
Compact and attractive fruits
-
Shiny green fruits when immature, turn red when ripe
-
Firm and glossy fruits
-
Good pungency
Benefits:
-
Can be used for fresh or dry purposes
-
Suitable for long-distance transportation
-
Resistant to major diseases and pests
Land Preparation:
-
Number of ploughings: 2-3 ploughings are generally recommended to achieve a fine tilth.
-
Depth of ploughing: The first ploughing should be deep (18-20 cm) to break the hardpan and improve drainage. Subsequent ploughings can be shallower (10-12 cm).
-
Timing: Ploughing is best done during the summer months (April-May) to allow the soil to dry and aerate.
-
Moisture content: Ideally, the soil should have moderate moisture content during ploughing. Avoid ploughing when the soil is too wet or dry.
-
After ploughing, remove all weeds, stones, and other debris from the field. This will prevent competition for resources and facilitate smooth land levelling.
-
Incorporate well-decomposed farmyard manure (FYM) or compost at 15-20 tons per acre at the time of final ploughing. This improves soil fertility, water-holding capacity, and soil structure.
-
Incorporate well-decomposed farmyard manure (FYM) or compost at 15-20 tons per acre at the time of final ploughing. This improves soil fertility, water-holding capacity, and soil structure.
-
Apply a basal dose of fertilizers based on soil test recommendations. A general recommendation is 40 kg nitrogen, 60 kg phosphorus, and 40 kg potassium per acre.
Sowing
-
Sow Nunhems Indu Chilli seeds in a well-drained seedbed with fertile soil.
-
Sow seeds thinly, about 2-3 cm (about 1.18 in) apart.
-
Cover the seeds lightly with soil.
-
Water the seedbed regularly and keep it moist.
-
Nunhems Indu Chilli Seedlings should emerge in 7-10 days.
Transplanting:
-
Transplant Chilli seedlings to the field when they are 4-5 weeks old and have 4-5 true leaves.
-
Harden off seedlings for a week before transplanting by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions.
-
Prepare the field by tilling, levelling, and making planting holes.
-
Space the plants 45-60 cm apart in rows that are 60-75 cm apart.
-
Make sure the roots are not bent when planting.
-
Water the plants thoroughly after transplanting.
Harvesting:
-
Chillies are ready for harvest when they reach full colour and size.
-
Ripe Nunhems Indu Chilli
-
Use sharp scissors or pruners to harvest the chillies.
-
Cut the stem about 1 cm above the fruit.
-
Harvest chillies regularly, as this will encourage further fruiting.
Storage:
-
Fresh Chilli can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
-
Nunhems Indu Chilli stored in refrigerator
-
Wash chillies gently before storing them.
-
Place Chillis in a plastic bag and remove as much air as possible.
-
Alternatively, chillies can be dried or frozen for longer storage.
Drying of Nunhems Indu Chilli:
-
Wash chillies and remove stems.
-
Slice chillies into thin strips or leave them whole.
-
Spread chillies on a clean drying rack or trays in a well-ventilated area.
-
Drying chillies
-
Turn chillies regularly to ensure even drying.
-
Chillies are dry when they are brittle and break easily.