Bombay chilli cultivated in Pirojpur is now reaching international markets, including China and Japan, with thousands of farming families in Nesarabad and Nazirpur becoming self-reliant through its production.
The chilli, locally known as a variety called Ghritokumari, has gained strong demand abroad due to its aroma and high pungency. Traders are earning significant foreign currency by exporting the produce, which has steadily expanded beyond domestic markets.
The cultivation initially began at household level, with families planting chilli trees in their yards to meet daily needs. Over time, it evolved into a commercial venture across villages in Nesarabad and Nazirpur.
Areas such as Atghar, Kuriana, Mahamudkathi and Kamarkathi in Nesarabad, and Belua, Mugarjhor, Boithakata and Bildumuria in Nazirpur, have become hubs for the crop.
Farmers said yields are strong and the crop requires relatively low maintenance. Each plant produces between 300 and 1,000 chillies annually and continues to bear fruit for two to three years.
Nesarabad Mahamudkathi village farmer Nazrul Islam said the variety performs well in the area.
“The chilli has a strong aroma and is very spicy, which increases its demand in the market,” he said.
“In the season, each chilli sells for Tk3 to Tk10 in retail and Tk2 to Tk3 in wholesale. It does not require much care, so more people are becoming interested in cultivation,” he added.
Traders purchase the chillies from farmers, grade them by size and send them to different parts of the country, particularly Dhaka’s Karwan Bazar, before they are exported.
Nesarabad Atghar Kuriana trader Prashanta Bairagi said the produce is sorted into three to four categories before distribution.
“From Dhaka, the chillies are exported to countries such as China, Japan and Thailand,” he said.
“The cultivation is profitable, which is why more people are shifting to this crop,” he added.
The first export of Bombay chilli from the area took place in 2012, with shipments sent to Japan. Since then, exports have continued every year.
Department of Agricultural Extension Deputy Director Soumitra Sarkar said the crop is gaining popularity due to its profitability.
“A plant produces fruit for seven to eight months in a season, with around 400 to 1,000 chillies per plant,” he said.
“If production increases further, we will work to strengthen direct links between farmers and foreign markets,” he added, noting that farmers are being encouraged and supported to expand cultivation.
Currently, around 300 tonnes of Bombay chilli are exported annually from Pirojpur to China, Japan and Thailand, generating several crores of taka in foreign earnings.
