It appears to be a mystery why the number of chili acres harvested keep decreasing in New Mexico, but farmers are saying the cost of fertilizer may decrease the crop further next year.

Visitors bought bags of roasted chilis left and right at the annual festival in Hatch, N.M.

Extension agents with the Dona Ana County Extension office said as a whole, fewer dollars come in as the crop thins out each year.

“It's unknown why the yields are decreasing. New Mexico State University is looking at that. They call it chili decline, and it's under investigation,” said Dona Ana County Extension agent Jeff Anderson.

The rain this time of year is making it even more difficult for those selling the crop to get much back in return.

“Now, with the rains coming on, we've had some chili wilt going on and root rot. There's been some decline mainly on the low land soils and the heavy clay soils," said Anderson.

Visitors said rain could have kept them away. They were concerned until it cleared up.

“Driving in, we were concerned and then once we got past it we realized we were going to have about a two-hour window,” said Steve Kellar from East El Paso.

Many don't know how the festival is promoting the village's crop. They said they were just there to have fun.

“You would expect it to increase in yield. In the Hispanic, culture chili is part of their cuisine, I guess,” said Michael Todd, of Las Cruces.

“I want to go eat some chili, ride some rides and just have fun,” said Aaron Buckner, of Las Cruces.

This year's yield has not been calculated, but since 2004, the harvest has decreased by nearly 30 percent.

“There is less acreage that has been planted. We've had more imports unfortunately, and it would be nice to see more domestic-grown chili,” said Anderson.

Anderson also explained that chili has to be hand-picked. The cost of labor is increasing and the cost of fertilizer has skyrocketed this year alone which have been contributing factors to smaller yields.