Dry Red Chilli variety · Released variety
Pusa Jwala
Also known as Pusa Jwala, Jwala
Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi · IARI, Delhi (ICAR)
Medium pungent (30,000–50,000 SHU), dwarf bushy plants (~60 cm), upright fruit bearing, slender curled pods (9–10 cm), light green turning vibrant red. Suited for green chilli market and pod harvesting; 70–80 days to maturity. Tolerant to thrips and mites.
Key facts
| Type | Released variety |
|---|---|
| Origin | Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi |
| Breeder / source | IARI, Delhi (ICAR) |
| Parentage | Open-pollinated, pedigree selection |
| Yield | Reported 7.5–8.5 t/ha green chilli; 1.8–2 t/ha dry; 70–80 days to harvest |
| Tolerance | Tolerant to thrips, mites, and common pests in North India; widely grown across regions |
| Distinctive features | Dwarf, bushy morphology; continuous fruiting over 5–6 months; fruity and smoky flavour notes; suitable for curries, chutneys, pickles |
| Grown in | Pan-India adoption; originally developed for North Indian plains |
| Also known as | Pusa Jwala, Jwala |
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.
Pusa Jwala in detail
Pusa Jwala is a dwarf, bushy chilli variety from IARI that produces slender curled pods over a long bearing period of 5–6 months, serving both fresh and dry markets. It carries a medium pungency with a distinctive apple-like flavour.
Origin & story
Developed and released by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). The name "Pusa Jwala" translates as "Pusa Flame" in Hindi, a nod to its heat. It is one of the more widely grown hot chillies in India and is commonly sold as an open-pollinated variety.
How it grows
Pusa Jwala matures to red in roughly 70–80 days. Plants are dwarf and bushy (around 60 cm), suiting close spacing. Reported yields are about 8.5 t/ha green and around 1.8 t/ha dry red. A single plant bears continuously over 5–6 months, allowing multiple pickings for both green and red markets. The variety is described as tolerant to thrips and mites, and to leaf curl virus, and is grown in the usual Indian kharif and rabi seasons.
Quality & character
Fruits are slender, wrinkled and curled, about 9–10 cm long, light green ripening to a vibrant red, borne upright on the plant. Pungency is in the 30,000–50,000 SHU range, placing it at medium heat. The flavour is distinctive: apple-like with fruity undertones, alongside smoky notes that add some depth beyond heat alone.
Why it matters to buyers
Pusa Jwala suits both green chilli markets (curries, chutneys, stir-fries) and dry red chilli or powder production. Growers value the continuous bearing, which steadies cash flow, while its tolerance to common pests (thrips, mites) and to leaf curl virus can ease input costs. Powder mills find the fruity, not-harsh flavour profile a fit for curry and masala blends. It is not a premium heritage chilli but a dependable workhorse with steady demand across Indian home and commercial kitchens.
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…
Live market rate
Today's dry red chilli price
See the latest dry red chilli rate, daily range and recent trend from verified mandi & auction sources.
Other dry red chilli varieties
From the Western Ghats
Buy clean, graded dry red chilli from AroWest
AroWest is the spice & aromatics label of Western Crest Ventures LLP — hand-cleaned, sorted, sealed and traceable harvests from Idukki and the wider Western Ghats. Registered LLP · Udyam (MSME) · FSSAI · GST.