Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced that the Centre is ready to support Andhra Pradesh's red chilli farmers under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) due to falling prices. Following discussions with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Chouhan assured financial assistance for the 2024-25 season.

The Ministry will direct the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to assess the cost of production and the damage caused by pest infestations. ICAR experts will visit the fields to recommend integrated pest management practices.

The MIS, designed for perishable crops not covered under Minimum Support Price (MSP), will help mitigate losses when market prices drop by 10% or more. Chouhan also called for an increase in the coverage limit for red chilli under MIS and plans to organize training and export-focused meetings to boost red chilli exports.