Economic viability of chilli as a small-scale business in Guntur district for export & domestic market

Abstract

The study entitled "Economic Viability of Chilli as Small-Scale Business in Guntur District for Export & Domestic Market" was conducted to evaluate the profitability, market potential, and challenges in chilli cultivation and trade. The research highlights the contribution of chilli farming to job creation, rural income improvement, and equitable wealth distribution, and suggests solutions to overcome farmer limitations. Data were collected from 100 farmers across various villages in the Guntur district. Findings indicate that chilli cultivation offers significant profit potential through both domestic and export channels. Key constraints include traditional farming methods, pest attacks, price instability, and lack of market access. Recommendations include promoting modern farming practices, facilitating direct market linkages, and enhancing farmer awareness of government schemes to improve overall farmer livelihood. The study also emphasizes the importance of value addition through chilli processing units, which can significantly increase farmer profits. Government support, such as subsidies and training programs, plays a critical role in enhancing productivity and export readiness. Adoption of advanced technologies like drip irrigation and pest-resistant chilli varieties can further boost yields and quality. Additionally, improving infrastructure like cold storage and market facilities can reduce post-harvest losses, ensuring better price realization for farmers. Moreover, strengthening Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and expanding e -NAM digital platforms can empower small-scale farmers to access better markets and fair pricing.