The hill red chili, significantly larger than other varieties available in the market, is gaining popularity in Cox’s Bazar. Although it belongs to the Upashi variety, the locals refer to it as ‘Futka Chili.’ This chili is cultivated in various hilly regions of Cox’s Bazar, where farmers have found it profitable.
Once harvested, the chilies are dried and preserved for extended periods. The market price of dried hill red chili is TK180 per kilogram.
According to vendors, Cox’s Bazar has a high demand for chili, with local hotels and restaurants frequently using this variety in their dishes. Additionally, chili is widely used to prepare different chili mash (bharta), a popular delicacy in the region.
Farmers in the hilly areas of Cox’s Bazar mainly cultivate two types of chili: the local (Deshi) variety and the Upashi variety.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Polash Shikdar
