Chili is one of the major commercial vegetable crops that increases the income of rural people by creating employment opportunities and improving their standard of living. In India, vegetables in general, and chili in particular, are majorly grown by small and marginal farmers, for whom it is an important source of income. Chili occupies an important place in the Indian diet and is consumed daily in one form or another. There are more than 400 varieties of chili found all over the world. Among the many varieties developed in India, Kashi Anmol stands out as a high-yielding and farmer-friendly cultivar.
Development and Release
Developed in 2006 by ICAR–Indian Institute of Vegetable Research (IIVR), Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, Kashi Anmol chili was developed by scientists through a process of selecting and improving plants. They started with a chili variety brought from Sri Lanka and then improved it by carefully choosing the best plants over two rounds. Later, this variety was recommended for release and cultivation in the states of Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand.
Key Features
They are dwarf plants with small coloured marks or spots at the nodes of their stems. The chili fruits are green in colour, visually appealing, and hang downwards like pendants.
Cultivation Process
Kashi Anmol chili grows well in soil that is neither too sandy nor too clayey, with good fertility. Timely irrigation is important, especially during the flowering and fruit development stages, as a lack of water can reduce yield and fruit quality. Drip irrigation is often recommended to save water and maintain soil moisture.
For pest and disease management, farmers should regularly monitor for common chili problems like spider mites, aphids, thrips, etc. The first picking starts at 55 days after transplanting, with a yield of 200 q/ha in just 120 days of crop duration.
With proper nutrient management, timely irrigation, and effective pest control, farmers can achieve high yields and better fruit quality with Kashi Anmol chili.
Cultivation Benefits
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Higher Returns: Farmers can achieve higher net returns per hectare with Kashi Anmol compared to local varieties.
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Medicinal Advantages: Kashi Anmol chili contains Capsaicin, which has many medicinal properties, especially as an anti-cancerous agent and instant pain reliever. It also helps prevent heart diseases by improving blood flow, maintaining healthy blood pressure levels, and supporting metabolic health.
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Adoption: With all these qualitative and yield advantages, the variety was released by the Institute and was widely adopted and cultivated by a large number of farmers across the country, contributing to increased income and improved economic stability for farmers.
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Suitability: It performs well under irrigated conditions but is also fairly adaptable to semi-arid regions. It is suitable for both fresh market sales and processing industries (dry chili powder, pickles, sauces).
Conclusion
Kashi Anmol is not just another chili variety but a smart choice for farmers. With its short plants, attractive green chilies, and high yield, it helps farmers earn more income while providing consumers with fresh and healthy produce. Developed by IIVR Varanasi, this variety has quickly become popular because it is easy to grow, profitable, and useful in daily cooking. By supporting better harvests and improving livelihoods, Kashi Anmol demonstrates how agricultural research can truly make a difference in people’s lives.
