The chili with its distinctive flavour and colour only grows in Sirarakhong in interior Ukhrul district.
Known to the people of Manipur as 'Sirarakhong chili', it has turned out to be the main source of income for villagers, though the state government has not provided any help in its cultivation.
Only some social organisations, including 'self help group' federation, have given some assistance.
"We also grow other vegetables, but chili is the backbone of our economy," village chief Z V Wungkhayap said.
There are 400 households in the village and a family harvest ranges from 100 to 300 kg of chili per roughly every six months.
The dried variety of this unique chili is sold at Rs 200 per kg. The village produces about 5000 kg of dried chili annually.
He regretted that the state horticulture department has failed to provide any assistance to the chili growers despite assurance by state horticulture minister Gaikhanga, who is also a senior Naga leader from Manipur hills. MORE