Chilli is the major spice contributing 40-42 per cent
by volume 20-22 per cent by value of total spices
exported from India (Jagtap et al. 2014). There
are over 50 spices produced in India and good
numbers of them are grown in the countries which
are indigenous. Of these them pepper, cardamom,
ginger and turmeric are important. Among spices,
a few spices viz., clove, nutmeg, vanilla and certain
varieties of chillies were introduced to the country.
Many varieties of chilli are grown for vegetables,
spices, condiments, sauce and pickles. Chilli
occupies an important place in Indian diet. It is an
indispensable item in the kitchen as it is consumed
daily as a condiment in one form or the other.