Ballari (Karnataka): The deadly coronavirus outbreak, which has claimed hundreds of lives in China and has sent the entire world into a frenzy, has also adversely affected the chilli business in Karnataka.
The Byadagi variety of the red chilli, which is known for its deep red colour, is feeling the heat due to the outbreak of the disease, as it has seen a slump in demand.
The variety of chilli is largely exported to China from Karnataka. However, following the outbreak of the deadly disease, all exports to the virus-hit nation have been stopped.
As a result, the chillis, which are being stocked in the wake of reduced demand, are rotting away.
Prior to the stop in exports, a farmer used to on average earn Rs 17,000 to 20,000 per quintal of produce. But due to the adverse effect, the coronavirus has had on the market, the earnings have now reduced to just Rs 10,000 to 12,000 per quintal.
Following excessive rainfall last year, farmers were already recovering from the hit they received as almost half the crops were damaged. Now, with the virus outbreak, the woes do not seem to end for the farmers.
Read: Corona Effect: Cotton export to China closed; Indian farmers in distress
