A Virtual Tour of Asia’s Largest Chili Market: Kunri

Kunri is a small town located in Umerkot, Sindh - the southern province of Pakistan - and is recognized as the red chili capital of Asia, which is vital for trade in both local and international markets.

The economy of the region is primarily dependent on agriculture, with 85% of the city’s economy dependent on the chili crop.

Fields of chili crops in Kunri.

Two kinds of red chili are grown in Kunri. The first is 'sanam', a hybrid chili, which is long and narrow at both ends.

The second is 'longi', a button-like round chilli also known the dandicut chili, and renowned for its spiciness, aroma and taste.

There are other varieties of chilies that are grown in Kunri as well like bell peppers and other spices.

Although chilies are available throughout the year, the peak season for harvesting the crops is between October and December.

The production of the chili depends on the seasonal rainfall which, if too heavy, can lead to microbial contamination and hence, a loss in red chili production. Similarly, if enough water is not supplied for irrigation, the crops can wilt and die before fruition.

While there are plants to dry out the chilies, the operational cost is immense, hence, the more traditional method of drying them in the sun is preferred, a process which can take up to ten days.

Bidding and selling of chilis between growers and wholesalers.

Packs of chili seeds.

The chili seeds take about sixty days to sprout after being planted, and another thirty days for the chili to turn red.

The chilies are harvested and then laid out to dry in the sun - a process that takes ten days - after which they are packed into large burlap sacks and taken to the chili market.

The Kunri community is a close-knit one, where Muslims, Hindus and Christians live in harmony, bearing the fruits of success and the burdens of hardship together.

Apart from red chilies, the city of Kunri also cultivates other popular crops such as their own hybrid version of papaya, mango, white mulberry, guava, lemon, onion, wheat and even grass, making them a self-reliant town.