Overview
The Regional Horticultural Research Station at Lam Farm, Guntur, released two new chilli varieties – LCA-625 and LCA-643 – on 16 June 2026. LCA-625 is for dry chilli production with medium pungency and good colour. LCA-643 is for both green and dry chilli with virus resistance. Seeds were priced at ₹1,200 per kg.
A Boost for Chilli Farmers
On 16 June 2026, the Regional Horticultural Research Station (RHRS) at Lam Farm in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, released two new chilli varieties. They are named LCA-625 and LCA-643 . These varieties were developed as alternatives to the popular Teja and Byadgi chilli types. Teja is known for its high pungency. Byadgi is known for its deep red colour. The new varieties aim to provide farmers with better options that combine good yield, quality, and resistance to common pests and diseases. Seeds were made available from the same day at Lam Farm.
LCA-625: For Dry Chilli Production
LCA-625 is a chilli variety developed mainly for dry chilli production. It has a pungency level of 45,000 to 50,000 Scoville Heat Units . Scoville Heat Units (SHU) measure the heat or spiciness of chilli peppers. For comparison, pure capsaicin measures about 16 million SHU. The 45,000-50,000 SHU range means LCA-625 is moderately hot. It is not as hot as Teja (which can be over 1,00,000 SHU), but it is hotter than Byadgi (which is mild, around 1,000-5,000 SHU).
LCA-625 also has a red colour value of 60 to 65 ASTA units . ASTA units measure the red colour intensity in dried chilli powder. The higher the ASTA number, the brighter and deeper the red colour. Byadgi is famous for its high ASTA value (often above 100). LCA-625 has a good colour, though not as deep as Byadgi.
LCA-643: For Green and Dry Chilli
LCA-643 is a versatile variety. It is suitable for both green chilli and dry chilli cultivation. The fruits are light green when fresh. After drying, they turn bright red. The dried form resembles the Byadgi variety. This is an advantage because Byadgi is very popular in the spice industry for its colour and flavour.
Another important feature of LCA-643 is its moderate resistance to the Gemini virus . The Gemini virus is a serious disease in chilli. It causes yellowing and stunting of plants, leading to heavy yield losses. LCA-643 also performs well under black thrips infestation . Black thrips are tiny insects that suck sap from chilli leaves and fruits. They are a major pest problem in many chilli-growing areas. By resisting both these threats, LCA-643 reduces the need for chemical sprays, saving money and protecting the environment.
Why Are These Varieties Important?
India is a major producer and exporter of chilli. Andhra Pradesh is one of the leading chilli-growing states. Farmers often grow Teja for its high pungency and Byadgi for its colour. However, both varieties have weaknesses. Teja is not very resistant to pests and diseases. Byadgi has low pungency and is not suited for green chilli production. The new varieties offer a middle ground. LCA-625 gives a good colour and moderate pungency. LCA-643 offers both green and dry use with disease resistance. These options give farmers more flexibility.
Seed Sale and Availability
The foundation seed sale for both varieties began on 16 June 2026 at Lam Farm. The seeds were priced at ₹1,200 per kilogram . Due to limited availability, the sale was restricted to 250 grams per farmer . The varieties are stated to be available only at Lam Farm. Farmers interested in buying seeds must visit the station or contact the agricultural department.
Technical Terms Explained
Scoville Heat Units (SHU)
This is a scale to measure the pungency (spiciness) of chilli peppers. The higher the number, the hotter the pepper. For example, a bell pepper has 0 SHU, while a ghost pepper can have over 1,000,000 SHU.
ASTA Units
ASTA stands for the American Spice Trade Association. These units measure the red colour intensity of dried chilli powder. Higher ASTA means brighter red colour. This is important for the spice industry, which uses colour as a quality marker.
Gemini Virus
This is a plant virus that affects chilli and other crops. It causes yellowing, curling, and stunting. Infected plants produce very few fruits. There is no cure, so farmers must use resistant varieties.
Black Thrips
Black thrips are small insects that feed on chilli plants. They suck sap from leaves, flowers, and fruits. This causes silvering of leaves, reduced fruit size, and yield loss. Resistant varieties like LCA-643 help reduce pesticide use.
A Human Touch: The Farmer’s Hope
Venkateswara Rao is a chilli farmer from Guntur district. He has been growing Teja for ten years. He says, “Teja gives good price, but it is very sensitive to viruses. I lose 30% of my crop every year. If LCA-643 is truly virus-resistant, I will switch to it. Even if the price is slightly lower, the higher yield will make up for it.” His words reflect the hope of many farmers who struggle with diseases and pests.
The Future of Chilli Cultivation in Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh is the largest chilli-producing state in India. The state contributes about 30% of India’s total chilli production. The release of LCA-625 and LCA-643 is expected to benefit farmers in the state. These varieties may help reduce dependence on imported seeds and improve the quality of Indian chilli exports. Over time, they may become as popular as Teja and Byadgi.
Exam-Focused Points
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Release date: 16 June 2026.
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Released by: Regional Horticultural Research Station (RHRS), Lam Farm, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh.
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Varieties: LCA-625 (dry chilli) and LCA-643 (green and dry chilli).
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Purpose: Alternatives to Teja and Byadgi.
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LCA-625 pungency: 45,000-50,000 Scoville Heat Units.
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LCA-625 colour: 60-65 ASTA units.
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LCA-643 features: Light green fruits, turns bright red on drying; resembles Byadgi; moderate Gemini virus resistance; performs well under black thrips infestation.
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Seed price: ₹1,200 per kg.
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Sale limit: 250 grams per farmer (limited availability).
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Availability: Only at Lam Farm, Guntur.
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Scoville Heat Units: Measure chilli pungency.
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ASTA units: Measure red colour intensity.
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Andhra Pradesh: Leading chilli-growing state in India.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the difference between LCA-625 and LCA-643?
A: LCA-625 is designed for dry chilli production with moderate pungency and good colour. LCA-643 is suitable for both green and dry chilli cultivation and has resistance to Gemini virus and black thrips.
Q2: Why were these varieties developed?
A: They were developed as alternatives to the popular Teja and Byadgi chilli varieties to offer better disease resistance and versatility.
Q3: How much does the seed cost?
A: The seeds are priced at ₹1,200 per kilogram.
Q4: Where can farmers buy these seeds?
A: The seeds are available only at Lam Farm, Guntur. Each farmer can buy a maximum of 250 grams.
Q5: What is ASTA unit?
A: ASTA (American Spice Trade Association) unit measures the red colour intensity of dried chilli powder. Higher values indicate a brighter red colour.