INDAM-5 Chilli: A High-Yielding Hybrid for Dual-Purpose Cultivation

India, being one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of chilli, continues to see rising demand for superior chilli hybrids that cater to both domestic consumption and global export markets. Among the top-performing hybrid varieties that have shown remarkable results in trial fields is INDAM-5 Chilli, a product of Indo-American Hybrid Seeds (INDAM). This hybrid stands out for its high yield potential, superior quality for both green and red chilli markets, and strong adaptability across key chilli-growing regions of India.

INDAM-5 is especially suitable for dual-purpose use, ideal both for harvesting as green chillies and for drying to produce rich red chillies with excellent color retention. Its agronomic traits, robust plant architecture, and fruit quality make it an attractive option for commercial chilli cultivators seeking profitability and consistency.

Overview of INDAM-5 Chilli

INDAM-5 is a hybrid chilli variety developed through extensive research and rigorous field testing under varied agro-climatic conditions. Its ability to perform reliably in diverse growing zones makes it a promising hybrid for farmers in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh—some of the major chilli-producing states in India.

This variety is best suited for Kharif season planting, with nursery sowing recommended between July and August. With an adaptable growth cycle and impressive performance data from multiple trials, INDAM-5 offers farmers an efficient, high-return crop option.

Key Agronomic Features

1.Plant Structure and Growth Habit

INDAM-5 produces tall, spreading, and vigorous plants with dark green foliage, which is a strong indicator of plant health and nutrient uptake. This type of structure supports the development of a dense canopy, providing natural shade to the fruits and reducing damage from direct sunlight or sudden rainfall.

The plants exhibit strong branching, enabling more flowering nodes and hence, more fruiting potential. This robust architecture not only contributes to higher yields but also enhances the plant’s ability to support the weight of multiple maturing fruits.

2.Fruit Characteristics

The fruits of INDAM-5 are engineered for both market attractiveness and processing compatibility. Key fruit traits include:

• Length: Medium-long, approximately 10–11 cm, making them ideal for green chilli markets and preferred by processors.
• Weight: Each fruit weighs 7–8 grams, which strikes a good balance between market size preference and drying efficiency.
• Diameter: Around 1.2 cm, contributing to a uniform fruit shape that enhances market presentation.
• Pungency: Moderate pungency makes INDAM-5 versatile for a range of culinary applications, from fresh usage in households to industrial use in spice production.
• Color Retention: One of its standout features is excellent red color retention post-drying, which is a critical parameter for chilli traders and exporters. Deep red pigmentation not only improves visual appeal but also indicates high capsaicin and pigment content.

3.Maturity and Harvesting Timeline

INDAM-5 offers a dual harvest window, which gives flexibility to growers based on market demand:

• Green Chilli Harvest: Begins at 65–70 days after transplanting, suitable for fresh vegetable markets.
• Red Chilli Harvest: Attained at 90–95 days, perfect for the dry chilli market.

This dual harvesting capability ensures farmers can respond dynamically to price signals—harvesting green fruits early when fresh chilli prices are high or waiting for full maturity for dried red chillies when market demand peaks.

Recommended Cultivation Practices: To unlock the full potential of INDAM-5, adherence to best cultivation practices is essential:

Nursery Preparation

• Sowing Time: July–August for Kharif season.
• Seed Rate: Approximately 80–100 grams per acre, ensuring adequate seedling density and minimizing wastage.
• Prepare raised nursery beds with fine tilth, good drainage, and rich organic content.

Transplanting and Spacing

• Spacing: Maintain a planting distance of 60–75 cm between rows and 45–60 cm between plants, depending on soil fertility and irrigation practices. Proper spacing ensures sufficient airflow and sunlight, reducing the risk of fungal infections and encouraging uniform growth.

Soil and Irrigation

• INDAM-5 thrives in well-drained loamy to sandy loam soils with neutral to slightly acidic pH.
• Regular irrigation is critical, particularly during flowering and fruit-setting stages. Drip irrigation is highly recommended to maintain soil moisture while conserving water.

Nutrient Management

• Follow a balanced nutrient schedule based on soil test reports. Emphasize:
  • Nitrogen (N) for vegetative growth.
  • Phosphorus (P) for root development and flowering.
  • Potassium (K) for fruit development and color enhancement.
• Use micronutrients like Calcium, Boron, and Zinc to improve fruit quality and reduce physiological disorders like fruit cracking or blossom end rot.

Pest and Disease Management

Although INDAM-5 is bred for vigorous growth, chilli crops remain susceptible to common pests and diseases. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies should be employed:

• Aphids and Thrips: Regular monitoring and use of neem-based biopesticides or selective insecticides can control early infestations.
• Fruit Borers: Pheromone traps and timely application of biologicals like Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) can help manage borers.
• Fungal Diseases: Proper spacing and timely fungicide sprays (based on need) help manage anthracnose, powdery mildew, and damping-off.

Proactive disease and pest management ensure maximum yield realization and preserve fruit quality for the market (fresh and dry chilli).

Performance and Regional Adaptability

INDAM-5 has demonstrated excellent field performance in diverse agro-climatic conditions across its target states. However, it is important to note that the performance of the hybrid may vary slightly depending on:

• Local weather conditions
• Soil types
• Cultural practices

Farmers are advised to tailor their crop management practices to suit regional conditions, with guidance from local agronomists or seed company extension experts.

Market Potential and Profitability

The versatility of INDAM-5 makes it a powerful asset in a grower’s crop portfolio. With its high yield potential and dual-use capability (green and red), it allows farmers to tap into multiple market segments. The hybrid’s excellent drying ratio, attractive red color, and balanced pungency further add value in both domestic and export markets.

In areas where red chilli prices spike post-harvest season, farmers growing INDAM-5 can gain a competitive edge due to better color retention and fruit uniformity attributes highly favored by traders and processing industries.

Conclusion

INDAM-5 represents a new generation of hybrid chilli that blends high productivity, market-friendly fruit traits, and regional adaptability. Whether a farmer is targeting the fresh green market or the dried red segment, this hybrid delivers on all fronts—yield, quality, and profitability. By following recommended agronomic practices, using optimal spacing, and managing pests effectively, growers can ensure that INDAM-5 meets its full yield and quality potential. As with all hybrid seeds, performance may vary slightly across locations, but when cultivated under proper conditions, INDAM-5 proves to be a reliable and rewarding investment for progressive chilli farmers.

For those looking to enhance their chilli production with a trusted hybrid that has been rigorously tested across multiple geographies, INDAM-5 stands tall both literally and figuratively as a leading contender in India’s thriving chilli cultivation sector.