Farmers' Production Disrupted by Weather and Pests, Chilli Prices Rise in Markets

Chilli prices of various types in traditional markets in Cirebon City, West Java, have experienced a sharp increase. This follows a decline in chilli production at the farmer level due to pest attacks and extreme weather.

At the Jagasatru Main Market in Cirebon City, the price of red bird’s eye chillies has soared again to Rp 85,000 per kilogram. Previously, the price of this commodity had dropped to Rp 70,000 per kilogram.

Not only red bird’s eye chillies, but red chillies have also risen by Rp 5,000 to Rp 40,000 per kilogram. Similarly, green bird’s eye chillies are now Rp 50,000 per kilogram. “The increase started five days ago,” said a trader at the local market, Arya.

The rising chilli prices at the main market are believed to be even higher in other traditional markets or at retail trader levels. This is because market traders and retail sellers purchase the chillies they sell from the main market.

He explained that the increase in prices of various chilli commodities is due to reduced supply from farmers. Therefore, he predicts that chilli prices will continue to rise. “Chilli stock is decreasing, goods are hard to come by,” he said.

He stated that the skyrocketing chilli prices have caused turnover for traders like himself to decline. This is because consumers reduce their chilli purchases upon learning of the price increase.

Separately, a chilli farmer from Majalengka Regency, Teguh, said that chilli harvest yields have indeed decreased in recent times. This is due to extreme weather and pest attacks.

“The weather is extreme right now, so there are supply constraints. It’s not scarce, there’s some, but pest and disease attacks are high,” he said.