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.