Slow purchases by north Indian traders and fall in exports have led to a decline in chilli prices by Rs 200-300 per quintal at the government market yard here. Farmers, however, are hopeful of getting better prices in post Diwali auctions. About 30,000 bags, on an average, arrive here daily.
Traders paid Rs 2,000-3,500 per quintal for non-cold storage (non-A/C) common chilli varieties, Rs 3,400-5700 for cold storage (A/C) common chillies, Rs 5,900-7,400 for A/C special chillies and Rs 800-1,500 for talu chillies. Hectic buying of talu chilli was seen by traders of Tamil Nadu as they are said to have bagged a bulk export order from the Gulf.
Among others, badigi chillies received Rs 7,000-7,400 per quintal, teja Rs 7,000-7,300 and No.5 chillies fetched Rs 6,000-6,400 per quintal. While 273 chilli received Rs 6,000-6,300, traders paid Rs 5,800-6,000 per quintal for the 334 variety. According to traders, 2.5-3.5 million bags are lying in the cold storage. Farmers and traders are not in a hurry to bring the crop to the market yard.
Andhra Pradesh, meanwhile, received fresh rains well enough for the crop. The crop size for next year will be estimated in a few days.