There are currently 22 different types of Nai Chilli in Sri Lanka, although the majority are exclusively available for domestic consumption. It's only exported in a few different types. As a result, you now have the chance to make a solid living only from the cultivation of Nai Chili
Capsicum Chinese belongs to this chilli family. Nai chilli is the spiciest chilli in the world. So there are more varieties due to the characteristic smell, shape, colour, etc. of these chillies types.
The capsaicin compound contained in it cools the body and makes us sweat. It increases the heart rate and also has the property of preventing heart attacks and cancer.
Environmental factors required for cultivation
A well-drained, fertile soil is required for the cultivation of this Nai Chili. It can be cultivated under water supply conditions in the intermediate zone of the wet zone and in the dry zone.
Also, the most care should be taken in choosing the varieties for cultivation. Because you have to choose the types that are in market demand. Types like Scotch bonnet are in good demand.
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, Image Copyright DiAgri |
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| Use of Mulching Sheets to prevent unnecessary 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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| Leaf Curl Virus infected plant |
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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