By Soniya:
The Regional Horticultural Research Station (RHRS), Lam Farm, Guntur, has introduced two new chilli varieties—LCA-625 and LCA-643—to provide farmers with improved alternatives to the widely cultivated Teja and Byadgi chilli types. Released on June 16, 2026, the varieties are designed to enhance productivity, quality, and resistance to major crop challenges.
LCA-625 is primarily developed for dry chilli production and offers high pungency levels ranging between 45,000–50,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU). It also possesses a strong red colour value of 60–65 ASTA units, making it suitable for spice processing and export markets.
LCA-643 is a dual-purpose variety suitable for both green and dry chilli cultivation. The fruits are light green when fresh and turn bright red upon drying, closely resembling the popular Byadgi chilli. The variety also shows moderate resistance to Gemini virus and performs well under black thrips infestation, two major challenges in chilli farming.
Foundation seeds of both varieties are now available at Lam Farm. To ensure wider distribution among farmers, sales have been limited to 250 grams per farmer at a price of ₹1,200 per kilogram.
The release of these improved chilli varieties is expected to support farmers with better-quality seeds, enhanced disease tolerance, and improved market opportunities while strengthening India’s chilli production sector.
