Kunri Red Chilli Crop Under Threat

As climate change casts a long shadow over this region, it is critical for policymakers, agricultural scientists, and local communities to act decisively and save the Red Chilli Capital of country

By Ali Nawaz Rahimoo

Kunri, in the Umerkot district of Sindh, is known as the red chilli capital of Pakistan and was once home to one of Asia’s largest chilli markets. The town of Kunri now finds itself on the frontlines of a new and growing crisis: climate change. For decades, Kunri’s sun-baked fields have produced fiery red chillies that are dried, packed, and sent across the globe. However, in recent years, farmers and traders have been facing unprecedented challenges as rising temperatures, erratic weather patterns, and water shortages threaten this once-thriving agricultural hub.

Kunri is responsible for 85 percent of all red chilli production in Pakistan, contributing 1.5 percent to the country’s GDP. But extreme heat has caused many peppers to die before harvest, jeopardizing the livelihoods of thousands and disrupting regional trade networks. As Asia’s largest red chilli market witnesses a steep decline in chilli production, the region’s economy and trade are at risk.

The region, particularly Kunri — recognized as Asia’s largest red chilli market — produces over 85% of Pakistan’s red chillies, making it a significant national and continental hub. Historically, the area produced 100,000 to 125,000 metric tons of chillies annually, supplying domestic markets and international exports across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Kunri is home to “Laal Mirch Mandi” (Red Chilli Market), one of Asia’s largest chilli trading and drying facilities. The red chilli industry here supports over 15,000 farming families and involves thousands of women in post-harvest processing.

The province of Sindh contributes around 85% of Pakistan’s red chilli production, making the country the fourth-largest producer of red chillies after India, China, and Mexico.

Heatwaves and Unpredictable Weather Patterns

Historically, Kunri’s climate was well-suited for chilli farming. However, over the past few seasons, this has changed dramatically. Extended heatwaves, early summers, and unexpected rainfall have disrupted the delicate lifecycle of the chilli plant. Agricultural experts note that the optimal temperature for chilli growth ranges between 20°C and 30°C. Yet, recent heatwaves have pushed temperatures beyond 45°C, causing plants to wilt, shed their flowers prematurely, and produce smaller, discolored pods.

Perhaps the most critical threat is water scarcity. Kunri’s chilli fields depend heavily on canal irrigation and seasonal rain, both of which are becoming increasingly unreliable. The Sindh Irrigation Department reports reduced water flow from the Indus River due to upstream shortages, while groundwater levels have sharply declined, leaving farmers unable to irrigate during crucial growth periods. Rahim Bux, a farmer from Kunri, explains, “This year, I couldn’t water my fields for 15 straight days. The plants dried up. I lost more than half my crop.”

Falling Yields and Rising Losses

As a result of these combined pressures, chilli yields have sharply declined. According to estimates from the Sindh Agriculture Extension Department, production in Umerkot and neighboring areas has fallen by 30–40% over the past five years. This decline has caused significant economic hardship and social strain, as thousands of laborers—many of them women—depend on the chilli harvest for seasonal employment.

In Kunri, it’s common to see piles of unsold, shriveled chillies in the markets, with traders lamenting the decline in both quality and quantity. Prices are rising for consumers, but farmers are earning less due to poor crop quality. Despite worsening conditions, climate-resilient farming support remains minimal. There are no large-scale programs to train chilli farmers in drought-resistant techniques, water-saving technologies, or alternative cropping patterns. Additionally, the Kunri Red Chilli Market, once envisioned as a modern trading center, remains unfinished since groundbreaking in 2007 — another blow to the sector’s growth potential.

Agricultural experts warn that unless immediate steps are taken, the chilli economy in Sindh, particularly Kunri, could face long-term decline. Suggested measures include investing in drip irrigation and water-efficient farming methods, developing heat- and drought-resistant chilli seed varieties, completing and activating the Kunri chilli market project, providing financial relief and insurance for small farmers, and implementing early warning systems for extreme weather events.

Pakistan is the fourth-largest producer of chillies in Asia, and Kunri accounts for a major share of that production. If climate threats continue to erode output, it could disrupt both domestic supply chains and international exports, where Pakistani red chilli is prized for its color, taste, and heat. Kunri’s red chilli is more than just a crop; it is a lifeline for thousands, a pillar of Sindh’s rural economy, and a symbol of cultural identity.

As climate change casts a long shadow over this region, it is critical for policymakers, agricultural scientists, and local communities to act decisively. Without intervention, climate change may do what no market competition ever could: push Kunri’s iconic chilli industry into irreversible decline.

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Ali Nawaz Rahimoo, based in Umerkot, Sindh is a social development professional. He can be contacted on anrahimoo@gmail.com 

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