Why in the News?

The village of Seiyhama in Nagaland hosted the 3rd edition of the Naga King Chilli Festival, celebrating the importance of the Naga king chilli, one of the world’s hottest chillies.

About Naga King Chilli

• The Naga King Chilli, also known as Raja Mircha or Bhut Jolokia, is one of the world’s hottest chillies, with heat levels exceeding 1 million Scoville Heat Units (SHU).
• It is primarily grown in the Northeast Indian states of Nagaland, Assam, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh.
• In 2006, it was certified by the Guinness World Records as the hottest chilli in the world, a title it held for several years.
• In 2008, it received a GI tag, recognizing its unique origin and significance in the global spice market.
• The chilli has a heat range of 800,000 to 1,041,427 SHU, making it significantly hotter than common chillies like the jalapeño, which has a SHU of 2,500 to 8,000.
• Benefits offered:
  • Rich in capsaicin, it is known for its pain-relieving properties and potential health benefits, such as boosting metabolism, promoting heart health, and relieving pain and inflammation.
  • Traditionally, the chilli has been used to preserve food in Nagaland’s hot, humid climate, helping to extend the shelf life of food and reduce waste.

• Cultivation:

• • The chilli is grown in bamboo groves using ancient cultivation methods.
  • Farming begins in December or January, with peak harvests in August and September.
  • Approximately 150 households in Seiyhama village, Nagaland, cultivate the Naga King Chilli, with the annual harvest reaching 14,000 kg, valued at ₹70 lakh.

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