Dry Red Chilli variety · Hybrid
Arka Harita
Also known as Arka Harita
ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Bengaluru · IIHR, Karnataka (ICAR) · 2005 (recommended), 2006 (notified)
High-yielding F1 hybrid; tall plants (~1 m), spreading (90 cm), medium to medium-long fruits (~10 cm × 1 cm), dark green turning deep red. Highly pungent. Fresh yield 30–35 t/ha, dry yield 5 t/ha in 150–160 days. Tolerant to powdery mildew and viruses. Very early maturity suited to market demands.
Key facts
| Type | Hybrid |
|---|---|
| Origin | ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Bengaluru |
| Breeder / source | IIHR, Karnataka (ICAR) |
| Year released | 2005 (recommended), 2006 (notified) |
| Parentage | F1 hybrid: IHR 3905 (CGMS) × IHR 3310 |
| Yield | 30–35 t/ha fresh; 5 t/ha dry in 150–160 days |
| Tolerance | Tolerant to powdery mildew and viruses |
| Distinctive features | High-yielding hybrid; tall, spreading habit; very early maturity; smooth initially, becomes wrinkled on drying; suitable for both fresh and dry markets |
| Grown in | Pan-India adoption; especially Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and other dry-chilli zones |
| Also known as | Arka Harita |
Figures are indicative, compiled from public agricultural sources (ICAR institutes, State Agricultural Universities, the Spices Board and the National Innovation Foundation) and vary with soil, season and management. Confirm with your local package of practices.
Arka Harita in detail
An early-maturing, high-yielding F1 hybrid chilli developed by ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru, that performs in the fresh market while also drying down to a pungent dry red chilli.
Origin & story
Arka Harita is a high-yielding F1 hybrid chilli developed using a male-sterile (CGMS) line by the ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Bengaluru, in Karnataka. It was recommended for release in 2005 and notified in 2006.
How it grows
Plants are tall (about 1 m) and spreading (about 90 cm). Fresh yield is around 30-35 t/ha and dry yield about 5-6 t/ha, reached in 150-160 days. The hybrid is tolerant to powdery mildew and viruses. It is recommended for Karnataka and is suited to both fresh market and drying. Its very early maturity makes it useful where growers want to hit the market quickly.
Quality & character
Fruits are medium to medium-long (around 8-10 cm by 1 cm), dark green turning deep red at maturity, and highly pungent. They are smooth at first and develop wrinkles on drying, which suits both green chilli supply and dry red chilli use.
Why it matters to buyers
Fresh-fruit buyers value the early maturity and even pod size. Dry-chilli buyers get a roughly 5-6 t/ha dry yield with high pungency, useful in blends and grinding. The tolerance to powdery mildew and viruses helps reduce crop loss and steady the supply.
About dry red chilli
India grows chillies across a spectrum of heat levels, colours, and purposes—from the mild, deep-red Byadgi prized for oleoresin and paprika, to the searingly hot Bhut Jolokia of Assam's Northeast. Between these extremes sit dozens of released varieties from ICAR institutes (IIHR Bengaluru, IARI Delhi) and state universities, plus landraces and regional…
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