Introduction

Hot pepper can be used in many different ways, however it is mainly used fresh in cooking as a spice and in the manufacture of sauces and seasoning.

Why invest in HOT PEPPER?

• An available market
• Easy access to production and marketing information
• Relatively low start-up capital
• High returns on investment under good management.

Production Issues

The hot pepper plant does best in conditions of free draining and fertile soil, exposure to at least 80% sunshine and where the incidence of pest is relatively low. One of the major economic pest is the Gall Midge which has resulted in the fumigation of fruits entering the USA market.

Pest management is therefore very critical in the production of good quality peppers.

Investment

The size of the initial investment is dependent on whether the crop is irrigated or not. Irrigation can increase the investment cost by as much as 30% which is recovered as yield increases up to 70% an therefore recovered over time.