There are currently 22 distinct varieties of Nai Chili in Sri Lanka, though most are primarily cultivated for domestic consumption, with only a few types being exported. This presents a lucrative opportunity to build a sustainable livelihood solely through Nai Chili cultivation.
Nai Chili belongs to the Capsicum chinense family and is renowned as the world’s spiciest chili. Its numerous varieties are distinguished by unique characteristics such as aroma, shape, and color.
The capsaicin compound found in Nai Chili has remarkable health benefits—it cools the body by inducing sweat, increases heart rate, and may even help prevent heart attacks and cancer.
Environmental Requirements for Cultivation
Nai Chili thrives in well-drained, fertile soil and can be cultivated in both intermediate and dry zones of Sri Lanka, provided there is adequate water supply.
Selecting the Right Varieties
Choosing the appropriate variety is crucial for successful cultivation. Market demand should guide selection, with varieties like Scotch bonnet being highly sought after.
Obtaining seedlings
Well-fermented pods can be used to obtain seeds. The important thing is that these seeds should be removed from the pods and placed in nursery beds within a short time (2-3 days)
Ripe and ripe chili pods should be taken and the seeds should be removed and immediately put in cold water. This will identify the bad seeds and the bad seeds should be removed and washed until the mucus around the seed is removed.
After that, the water in the pot should be filtered and the seeds should be placed on paper and dried.
Preparation of nursery
Take the soil and compost fertilizer in a ratio of 1:1 put the seeds in a pot with space and place the seeds in one place. (This prepared medium is sterilized with hot water and after 24 hours it is also suitable to sow the seeds.)
After watering and placing it in the shade, you can see sprouts after about 4 to 5 days. Or you can sow one seed in a sterilized piece of coconut husk.
After sprouting, organic liquid fertilizer can be added from time to time if necessary. The nursery period of chilli seed is 7 weeks.
Planting in the field
The soil should be loosened the excess water to be drained
The size of the pits should be at least 1*1*1 feet. Organic fertilizers need to be mixed well and fill the pits. Compost, rotted dung or chicken manure would be ideal organic fertilizer for this. If necessary, you can get a high-quality plant by mixing 10-15 grams of TSP( Triple Super Phosphate ) fertilizer to fill the holes.
Since the Nai Chili tree is taller than other chillies, the spacing has to be 3*2.5 feet. After planting in the field, shade has to be provided for a few days and watering should be done based on the requirements of the plants.
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| Outdoor Scot Bonnet (Nai Miris ) Farm |
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| Nai Miris cultivation in a open area |
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| Use of Mulching Sheets to prevent weed growth |
Use of Fertilizer
This cultivation can be done without using any chemical fertilizers or it can be done by mixing both organic and chemical fertilizers.
Although chemical fertilizers are not essential, the yield can be increased by applying a mixture of basic fertilizers.
Pruning to increase the yield
Pruning should be done when the yield decreases. And the whole crop is not pruned together. Only a limited amount should be pruned at a time. After pruning, fungicides can be used as a foliar spray to prevent any potential fungal infestations.
Watering is essential well after pruning Organic and chemical fertilizers should be supplied in the required quantity.
Disease Control
- Leaf Curl Disease is the most common disease of chillies, caused mainly by the Chili leaf curl virus (ChiLCV). it is advisable to adopt correct disease control and preventive measures at the early stage.
Covering the plantation with coconut branches, banana leaves, and palm branches (flower branches) can prevent insects from entering the plantation.
Merigold (Das Pethiya) is an insect-repellent plant which can prevent insects from entering the plantation.
Read More: Insect traps used in Organic Farming
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| A plant infected with Leaf Curl Virus |
Harvesting
From a well-maintained plantation, the first harvest can be harvested within 75 days, and if well-maintained, the fruit can be obtained for more than a year. Therefore, it can be seen that Nai chillies are now chosen as a crop even in protected houses.
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