Chilly is a fruit which belongs to Capsicum genus. It has many varieties which are differentiated on its pungency measured on Scoville Scale. Chilly fruit when ripened and dried becomes red chilly, which is further grounded to form red chilly powder. These are categorized as hot pepper. Red chilly became famous all around the world because of its characteristics like pungency, taste and flavor matched black pepper, which was very expensive during old times and thus it became one of the most important and integral spices.

Apart from its uses in cooking, it has medicinal uses as well. It helps in digestion, it develops blood and is a very rich source of vitamin C, which helps in developing the immune system. It is used as spray weapon also for keeping away attackers and mobsters.

Chilly crop grows well in deep loamy fertile soil with appropriate moisture content. Best time for sowing chilies is between April and June, i.e. in hot and humid weather. But dry weather is required at the time of harvesting. Major chilly growing countries are India, China, Ethiopia, Myanmar, Mexico, Vietnam, Peru, Pakistan, Ghana, and Bangladesh. These countries produce approximately 85% of the total red chilly in the world.

Among all the major producers, India dominates in chilly production and is the largest exporter as well due to superior quality found here. In India major production comes from Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Orissa and Rajasthan. Guntur is the major physical market for red chillies.