GENETIC DIVERSITY, PRODUCTION, AND TRADE OF CHILI WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO NEPAL

Chili is a popular spice crop in Nepal, a country with countless genetic diversity and a wider distribution covering areas from the tropics to the warm temperate regions. However, the exploitation of chili’s genetic potential to improve yield has faced challenges by different factors. An analytical study on genetic diversity, production challenges, and marketing opportunities of chili was still lacking in Nepal. This study aims to provide information on chili diversity, its distribution, and uses in Nepal, discussing the potential role of chili in Nepalese agriculture. Mainly, the study is a desk review complemented with a field study. Total chili production increases with an increasing area under cultivation over the years. In 2021, chili production covered 23,083 ha, 13% higher than in 2020. Per capita chili consumption is estimated at 9.8 kg in 2021. Diversity in chili phenotypes grown in the study area of Nepal has been noted. On a nine-point scale, higher variations showed in fruit traits (5 ± 1.5), floral morphology (4 ± 0.8 distinct types of flowers), leaf size (3 ± 0.7), plant height (3 ± 0.8), and maturity (3 ± 0.8) among chili genotypes in the area studied. Insect pests (15.6%) and diseases (16.4%) emerged as the main problems in chili cultivation, followed by drought stress (14.8%) and a shortage of fertilizers (10.1%). Marketing-related issues shared 2.7% among the 12 main concerns, particularly farmers who suffered more from inadequate market information. In addition, estimates on seed requirements, seed sources, existing chili varieties, and market segments also gained focus. The need for demand-based action research to strengthen Nepalese chili production and marketing proves imperative to fulfill the growing domestic demand and export potential.