Indam-54 Chilli: A High-Pungency Hybrid for Versatile Commercial Cultivation

In the ever-evolving world of chilli cultivation, hybrids that combine adaptability, pungency, and dual-purpose utility are increasingly in demand. Among such elite cultivars is Indam-54, a robust and high-performing hybrid chilli developed by Indo-American Hybrid Seeds (INDAM). Designed to deliver excellence in both green and dry red chilli markets, Indam-54 stands out for its very high pungency, excellent virus tolerance, and broad regional adaptability.

Catering to the needs of farmers across Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh, Indam-54 is optimized for Kharif season cultivation. With strong agronomic features and market-aligned fruit quality, it promises a productive and profitable harvest for both fresh and processed chilli segments.

Vigorous Growth and Semi-Upright Architecture

One of the signature traits of Indam-54 is its semi-upright plant architecture, which facilitates better air circulation and sunlight penetration across the plant canopy. This contributes to healthier growth, more flowering points, and better fruit setting.

• Plant Height: 80–100 cm
• Growth Habit: Semi-upright, strong stem support
• Foliage: Dark green and broad leaves, indicating good nutrient uptake

The sturdy structure helps the plant withstand moderate wind and rain, supporting consistent yields even under variable field conditions. Its semi-upright nature also makes field operations like pesticide sprays and harvesting more manageable.

Fruit Traits: A Dual-Purpose Powerhouse

Indam-54 is specifically bred to serve both green chilli and dry red chilli markets. The hybrid produces long, moderately wrinkled fruits that are uniform in shape and size—ideal for market presentation and processing.

• Fruit Length: 8–11 cm
• Fruit Diameter: 0.8–1.1 cm
• Color: Bright green when immature; deep red upon maturity
• Surface: Moderately wrinkled, enhancing visual appeal
• Pungency: Very high, suitable for both household and industrial spice production

The intense pungency makes Indam-54 a favorite among spice manufacturers, while the vibrant red color post-drying is a sought-after trait for domestic and export markets alike.

 

Maturity and Harvesting

Indam-54 offers a flexible harvesting window that gives farmers a strategic edge. The crop can be harvested early as green chilli or allowed to mature into deep red pods ideal for drying and processing.

• For Green Chilli Harvest: 65–70 days after transplanting
• For Red Chilli Harvest: 90–95 days after transplanting
• Season: Kharif (July–August sowing)
• Harvest Window: October to December (depending on sowing date and climate)

This dual-harvest feature allows farmers to optimize income by responding to real-time market demands—harvesting early for the fresh produce market or waiting for red chilli prices to peak.

Nursery Management and Sowing Guidelines

Indam-54 responds well to nursery sowing, ensuring robust seedling health and uniform transplant quality.

• Sowing Period: July to August (for Kharif season)
• Seed Rate: 80–100 grams per acre
• Nursery Duration: 25–30 days
• Soil Type: Well-drained sandy loam to loamy soil with neutral pH

The seedlings should be hardened before transplanting by gradually exposing them to sunlight and reducing water application in the nursery beds. This ensures better survival post-transplantation.

Transplanting, Spacing, and Field Establishment

Proper spacing is critical for achieving optimum plant population, reducing disease incidence, and ensuring efficient nutrient uptake.

• Spacing: 60–75 cm between rows and 45–60 cm between plants
• Plant Density: 10,000–12,000 plants per acre depending on spacing

The recommended spacing facilitates air movement and sunlight exposure, which are vital in preventing fungal and bacterial diseases, especially in humid conditions.

Irrigation and Fertility Management

Water and nutrients must be managed judiciously to unlock the full yield potential of Indam-54.

• Irrigation Schedule:
  • Light watering post-transplanting
  • Consistent watering during flowering and fruit set
  • Reduce watering during ripening to enhance pungency and color
• Drip irrigation is preferred for precise moisture control
• Fertilization Plan:
  • Basal Dose: FYM (Farmyard Manure) @ 8–10 tons/acre, DAP, and potash at sowing
  • Top Dressing: Split doses of nitrogen and potassium during vegetative and fruiting phases
  • Micronutrients: Apply Boron, Calcium, Magnesium, and Zinc to improve fruit set, reduce cracking, and boost overall quality

Use of fertigation and foliar sprays ensures uniform growth and reduces nutrient leaching.

Pest and Disease Management

While Indam-54 demonstrates good virus tolerance, integrated pest and disease management (IPM) practices are essential to maintain yield integrity and fruit quality.

• Key Pests:
  • Thrips & Aphids: Neem-based or selective insecticides for control
  • Fruit Borer: Use pheromone traps and Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) formulations
• Common Diseases:
  • Leaf Curl Virus: Controlled through vector management (mainly whiteflies)
  • Anthracnose & Powdery Mildew: Managed with timely fungicide applications and proper spacing
  • Damping-Off: Controlled by seed treatment and well-aerated nursery conditions

Regular scouting and threshold-based interventions are recommended for cost-effective crop protection.

Field Performance and Regional Adaptability

Indam-54 has shown consistent field performance across a range of agro-climatic conditions, making it highly adaptable. It has gained traction in the chilli belts of southern and central India due to its uniformity, high fruit set, and resilience.

• Recommended States: Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh
• Performance Highlights:
  • Early and uniform maturity
  • High number of fruits per plant
  • Better resilience under moderate abiotic stress

Growers have reported high market acceptability due to the hybrid’s shape, color, and pungency—all critical parameters for fresh and dry chilli buyers.

Market Opportunities and Profitability

Indam-54 enables farmers to access both fresh produce markets and processing industries, thereby enhancing income streams. With excellent drying quality and bright red color retention, the hybrid appeals strongly to exporters and spice companies.

• Green Chilli Market:
  • Preferred for size, appearance, and pungency
  • Suitable for urban vegetable markets and bulk suppliers
• Dry Chilli Market:
  • Good drying ratio and minimal weight loss
  • High pungency and color retention critical for spice manufacturers
• Profit Potential:
  • Faster crop turnaround enables multi-cropping
  • Premium pricing due to fruit quality and pungency

By allowing growers to participate in both segments, Indam-54 increases market flexibility and return on investment.

Conclusion

Indam-54 is more than just another hybrid chilli; it is a carefully developed solution for farmers looking for versatility, high returns, and reliable performance. With strong agronomic traits, dual-purpose capability, and wide adaptability, it addresses the modern-day challenges of chilli farming.

When cultivated with attention to best practices—nursery care, balanced nutrition, pest vigilance, and proper spacing—Indam-54 can become a game-changer in the field. Whether you’re targeting the fresh green market or dry red chilli exports, this hybrid offers the traits needed for commercial success.

For chilli growers aiming for quality, consistency, and profitability, Indam-54 stands tall as a dependable and market-savvy choice.