Stevia Agrotechnology
Product and its applications
Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni) is an incredibly sweet herb. It contains a sweetener namely, stevioside which is nearly 300 times sweeter than sugar. Stevia is often referred to as the "sweetest plant of the world". The fresh leaves have a nice liquorice taste. Stevia is a calorie- free, cholesterol-free sugar alternative. Many different uses of stevia are already well-known: as table sugar, in soft drinks, pastry, candy, jam, chocolates, biscuits, beverages, pickles, tobacco products, yoghurt, chewing gum, sorbets and diabetic medicines. The dried leaves of stevia are about 30-40 times sweeter than sugar. The documented properties of stevia are antibacterial, anti fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-viral, anti-yeast, cardio tonic, diuretic, hypoglycaemic, hypotensive, vasodilator and hence a boon to diabetic people. Stevia originated in the northern regions of South America but now its cultivation has become popular worldwide. The part of the plant that is above the ground is harvested, 5 times a year, up to 6 years of age for commercial use. The roots remain in place and the plant regenerates again.
Market Potential
Stevia is poised for major growth in the Indian cash crop market as domestic and export demand is estimated (in 2008) to leap by 300% over the next three years. India tops the diabetic population with 30 million patients, which is expected to increase to 80 million in 2025. China ranks second in diabetic population followed by the US and Russia. Currently Japan has been using Stevia on large scale.
Worldwide, 32,000 hectares are covered under stevia cultivation, of which China has a major chunk of 75%.The Indian farmers have also started taking up stevia cultivation following the large demand for diabetic market here. .The country's total annual production is currently nearly 600 tonnes. The climatic conditions in most parts of India are quite favourable for stevia cultivation.
Basis and Presumption
- The agricultural land and related infrastructure is available with the entrepreneur.
- Provision has been made for additional investment on drip irrigation which can be saved if good irrigation facilities are existing.
- Prices are calculated as per the prevailing market rates.
- The yields depend on proper implementation of package of practices.
- Economics of cultivation greatly improves on scale of operation.
- This activity provides tax-free high returns. Additionally a number of government support schemes are available. Latest provisions need to be checked up.
- Market for medicinal plants is volatile and economics may vary from time to time.
Agri practices
Land
Land is ploughed and cultivated twice to prepare a fairly smooth surface.
Transplants
Transplants from cuttings are superior though cost makes it prohibitive. Stevia is propagated from seed in plug trays placed in greenhouse for period of 7- 8 weeks.
Planting
Depending on different climatic conditions stevia is cultivable throughout the year except for times when it is extremely hot or cold. Stevia plug plants are planted into the field on 53 cm or 61 cm row spacing with a total plant density in the order of 100,000 plants per hectare.
Fertilization
The plant has low nutrient requirements; however a soil test should be conducted.
Irrigation
Normally, the stevia plant requires frequent, shallow irrigation. Generally, one applies irrigation if the stem tips are drooping at least once per week.
Weed control
This crop also requires hand hoeing and weeding.
Pest control
Insect pest pressures other than cutworm are minimal. Septoria disease can cause considerable damage to the stevia crop. Animals like the sweet taste of Stevia.
Harvesting
Time of harvesting depends on land, variety and growing season. Generally it can be scheduled when plants are 40-60 cm in height. Shorter days induce flowering. The part of the plant that is above the ground is harvested, 5 times a year, up to 6 years of age for commercial use. The roots remain in place and the plant regenerates again. Optimum yield of biomass and stevioside quality & quantity are best just prior to flowering. The plant also tolerates very low temperatures.
Post harvest operations
Drying
Drying of the woody stems plus the soft green leaf material is completed immediately after harvesting utilizing a drying wagon or a kiln. Depending on weather conditions and density of loading, it generally takes 24 to 48 hours to dry stevia at 40°C to 50°C.
Threshing
Immediately following drying, dry stevia leaves are separated from the stem through a thresher/separator. Stem and leaf portions tend to be equally represented at 6,000 kg/ha each.
Yield
20 t green or 6 t dry leaves per ha.
Economics of cultivation of Patchouli per hectare land (Rs.)
First year |
Second year onwards |
|
| Green Manuring | 8,000 | -- |
| Compost – 12 trolleys @ Rs. 900 each | 10,800 | 9,000 |
| Vermicompost 2000 kg @ Rs. 7/ kg | 14,000 | -- |
| Land preparation + bed raising | 9,000 | -- |
| Drip irrigation | 80,000 | -- |
| Planting material 75,000 plants @ Rs. 4 each | 3,00,000 | -- |
| Sowing | 5,200 | -- |
| Thresher | 60,000 | -- |
| Weeding | 9,000 | 9,000 |
| Irrigation & supervision | 9,000 | 9,000 |
| Harvesting & drying | 17,000 | 18,000 |
| Packing, transportation & miscellaneous | 35,000 | 35,000 |
| Total Cost | 5,77,000 | 80,000 |
| Total Output 5,000 kg dry leaves @ Rs. 120/ kg | 6,00,000 | 6,00,000 |
| Net Profit | 23,000 | 5,20,000 |
Addresses of Some Dealers in Medicinal plants/ Planting Material
Tropical Forest Research Institute
Mandla Road, Jabalpur (M.P.)
Cedmap,
60, Jail Road, Jahangirabad,
Bhopal (M.P.)
KRD Musli Farm,10/47, Station Road, Rau,
Indore-453331 (M.P.)
Mittal Musli Farm and Research Centre,
Jamod, Jalgaon (Maharashtra)
Regional Research Laboratory
Jorhat, (Assam)
Jeevan Herbs & Agro Farms
178,Keshav Ganj, Sagar (M.P.)
SSSBiotic.com
C/o biosourcing.com (P) Ltd.
A-41, Janpath, Ashoknagar
Bhubaneswar (Orissa)
Jeevan Herbs & Agro Farms
178, Keshav Ganj,Sagar (M.P.)
Kasiraj Exports,
37, Santhai Road,
Tuticorin (TN)
A.Y. Agritec Private Limited
16-7-382/18, Azampura Masjid,
Hyderabad (A.P.)
Contact for more information
Information Manager
TIMEIS Project
E-mail: timeis@ficci.com
