Nunhems Meenal is a dual-purpose (green fresh, red dry) hot pepper variety developed by Nunhems, a leading seed company. It is a high-yielding variety with good resistance to pests and diseases. The fruits are medium-sized, conical in shape, and have a bright red colour when ripe. They are moderately hot, with a Scoville heat rating of 50,000 to 75,000 SHU.

Nunhems Meenal is suitable for cultivation in a wide range of climates. It can be grown in both the summer and winter seasons. The seeds should be sown in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The plants need full sun and regular watering.

Benefits:

High yield
Good resistance to pests and diseases
Dual-purpose (green fresh, red dry)
Moderately hot
Suitable for a wide range of climates
Easy to grow

Key Features:

Strong plant architecture with good branching
Attractive, smooth, medium pungent fruits
Green to dark green
Firm fruits with good keeping quality
Good disease tolerance to major diseases such as chilli wilt, chilli mosaic virus, and bacterial leaf spot

Land Preparation:

Number of ploughings: 2-3 ploughings are generally recommended to achieve a fine tilth.
Depth of ploughing: The first ploughing should be deep (18-20 cm) to break the hardpan and improve drainage. Subsequent ploughings can be shallower (10-12 cm).
Timing: Ploughing is best done during the summer months (April-May) to allow the soil to dry and aerate.
Moisture content: Ideally, the soil should have moderate moisture content during ploughing. Avoid ploughing when the soil is too wet or dry.
After ploughing, remove all weeds, stones, and other debris from the field. This will prevent competition for resources and facilitate smooth land levelling.
Incorporate well-decomposed farmyard manure (FYM) or compost at 15-20 tons per acre at the time of final ploughing. This improves soil fertility, water-holding capacity, and soil structure.
Incorporate well-decomposed farmyard manure (FYM) or compost at 15-20 tons per acre at the time of final ploughing. This improves soil fertility, water-holding capacity, and soil structure.
Apply a basal dose of fertilisers based on soil test recommendations. A general recommendation is 40 kg nitrogen, 60 kg phosphorus, and 40 kg potassium per acre.

Sowing

Sow Nunhems Meenal Chilli seeds in a well-drained seedbed with fertile soil.
Sow seeds thinly, about 2-3 cm (about 1.18 in) apart.
Cover the seeds lightly with soil.
Water the seedbed regularly and keep it moist.
Nunhems Meenal Chilli Seedlings should emerge in 7-10 days.

Transplanting:

Transplant Nunhems Meenal Chilli seedlings to the field when they are 4-5 weeks old and have 4-5 true leaves.
Harden off seedlings for a week before transplanting by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions.
Prepare the field by tilling, levelling, and making planting holes.
Space the plants 45-60 cm apart in rows that are 60-75 cm apart.
Make sure the roots are not bent when planting.
Water the plants thoroughly after transplanting.

Harvesting:

Nunhems Meenal Chillies are ready for harvest when they reach full colour and size.
Ripe V Nunhems Meenal Chilli
Use sharp scissors or pruners to harvest the chillies.
Cut the stem about 1 cm above the fruit.
Harvest chillies regularly, as this will encourage further fruiting.

Storage:

Fresh Chilli can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Nunhems Meenal Chilli stored in refrigerator
Wash chillies gently before storing them.
Place Chillis in a plastic bag and remove as much air as possible.
Alternatively, chillies can be dried or frozen for longer storage.

Drying of Nunhems Meenal Chilli:

Wash chillies and remove stems.
Slice chillies into thin strips or leave them whole.
Spread chillies on a clean drying rack or trays in a well-ventilated area.
Drying chillies
Turn chillies regularly to ensure even drying.
Chillies are dry when they are brittle and break easily.