-: STEVIA
CULIVATION:-
(ON 5 ACRE LAND)
Package
of practices
for Stevia
cultivation in India
NATURAL SWEETENER (ALTERNATE OF SUGAR)
STEVIA
BOTANICAL NAME :--Stevia Rebaudiana (Bertoni) Hemsl.
FAMILY-Asteraceae
INTRODUCTION ABOUT STEVIA
Stevia is an incredibly sweet herb, obtained by a natural
selective breeding process of the sweetest Stevia parent plants. The sweetener
stevioside, extracted from the plants, is 300 times sweeter than sugar. The
fresh leaves have a nice liquorice taste. What makes the Stevia plant so
special is that it can be used to replace sugar (sucrose). Many different uses
of Stevia are already well-known: as table sugar, in soft drinks, pastry,
pickles, tobacco products, candy, jam, yogurt, chewing gum, sorbets... The
dried leaves of Stevia are about 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, hypoglycemic
and hence a boon to diabetic people, hypotensive, tonic, and vasodilator.
Indeed, the leaves contain diterpene glucosides with a sweet taste but which
are not metabolized and contain no calories. The biggest part of the sweet
glucosides consists of the stevioside molecule. Stevia Rebaudiana Bertoni
(Bertoni) is a perennial herbaceous plant and is part of the Asteraceae family.
This family includes well-known plants such as dandelion, sunflower and
chicory. The history of the culture of Stevia mainly stems from Paraguay and Brazil.
Originally, Stevia only grew in the northern regions of South America but its
cultivation has become popular worldwide. The plant has been known for
centuries by the native Guaranay-Indians for the sweet taste of its leaves.
They use it, amongst other things, to make "mate" herbal tea. Stevia
is often referred to as the "sweetest plant of the world”. Its leaves are
about 5 cm long and 2 cm wide and are planted crosswise, facing each other. In
the wild, the height of the plant varies from 40 to 80 cm but when cultivated,
the Stevia can become 1 meter high. Stevia can be grown on relatively poor
soil. The plants can be used for commercial production for 6 years, during
which five times a year a harvest takes place of the part of the plant that is
above the ground. The roots remain in place and so the plant regenerates again.
Plants, which are 1 meter high, have a dry weight of 70 g on average. The dry
weight of the leaves can vary from 15 to 35 g per plant.
The Stevia rebaudiana is
commonly known as sweet leaf, sugar leaf, or simply Stevia. This is widely
grown for its sweet leaves. Stevia and Sunflower belong to asteraceae family.
The sweet herb Stevia is becoming a major source of natural sweetener as an
alternate of sugar. It is rapidly replacing the chemical sweetener like
Splenda, Saccharine and Aspartame.
Today stevia is ready to become King in the market of
sweetener. As demand of low carbohydrate sweetener is rising day by day. A good
market is being developed for stevia domestically as well as internationally.
This is a ray of hope for the diabetic patient. As it is natural source of
sweetener. It is also used for the treatment of obesity and high blood sugar
patient. There is not increase in sugar level after consumption of stevia as
sweetener as substitute of normal sugar. Stevia, therefor, opens up new avenues
for crop diversification and a viable alternative to sugarcane. Stevia
crop has good potential in India. There is low risk in this crop. The
investment in stevia is also tax free as it is agriculture production. The
return also starts to come early. As it is planted for five years so the cost
of plantation also accrue one time in five in 5 years. There is high potential
of return as compared to traditional crop.
There is a potential to use Stevia in soft drinks,
confectionery and bakery etc. Instead of sweeteners with known adverse side
effects in the long run. Stevia prevents tooth decay with its microbial
property . Majority of the supplementary food products for diabetic patients
emphasize on the fibre & protein content the addition of the Stevia leaves,
dried or in powder form, in such products would not only aid in increasing the
natural sweetness but would also help in rejuvenating the pancreatic gland.
Apart from this, Stevia is nutrient rich, containing substantial amount of
Protein, Magnesium, Miocene, riboflavin, Zinc, Chromium, Selenium, Calcium
& Phosphorus, Besides Stevia can also be used as a house hold sweetener in
preparation of most Indian sweetmeats.
There are different views about stevia in different
countries. Countries like Japan and Korea; it is widely used as sweetener. In
some countries use of stevia is banned. Initially US govt banned stevia but in
year 2008 the extract of stevia Rebaudioside-A was approved as food additive.
Today the number of countries is increasing where stevia is available.
ORIGIN AND DISTRIBUTION
Stevia has originated from Northeastern Paraguay and is widely
distributed in USA, Brazil, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and Southeast Asia. It is
commonly known as Caa-He-e (Sweet herb) in Japan and Korea and generally occurs
on the edge of marshes or in grasslands on soil with shallow water tables.
ADVANTAGES OF STEVIA ARE AS
FOLLOWING
1.
It is a completely natural non-synthetic product; Stevioside (the
sweetener) contains absolutely no calories
2.
The leaves can be used in their natural state
3.
Thanks to its enormous sweetening power, only small quantities
need to be used.
4.
The plant is non-toxic
5.
The leaves as well as the pure stevioside extract can be cooked
6.
No aftertaste or bitterness
7.
Stable when heated up to 200 degrees
8.
Non-fermentative
9.
Flavour enhancing
10.
Clinically tested and frequently used by humans without negative
effect
11.
Ideal and non-addictive sweetener for children
USES
· Stevia is
safe for diabetics, as it does, not affect blood sugar levels.
· Stevia does not have the neurological or renal
side effects of some of the artificial sweeteners.
· Stevia
possess anti-fungal and anti-bacterial property also in addition to its other
versatile uses. It can be safely used in herbal medicines, tonics for diabetic
patients and also in the daily usage products like mouthwashes, and tooth
pastes.
· Mild
Stevia leaf tea offers excellent relief for an upset stomach.
OTHER USES OF STEVIA
The plant's leaves, the aqueous extract of the leaves, and purified
steviosides are used as sweeteners. In health conscious Japan they are widely
used in food products, soft drinks (including Coca Cola), and for table use.
Japan currently consumes more Stevia than any other country; there, Stevia
accounts for 40% of the sweetener market, other countries around the world have
also been using Stevia as a sugar substitute, Stevia may be used in cooking and
baking as a natural sweetener, adults and children alike may enjoy dessert
recipes without risk of weight gain, tooth decay or hyperactivity, it also does
not contain the negative side effects reported with the use of artificial
sweeteners. When used in natural toothpowder recipes cavities and gum disease
are reduced due to its antibacterial properties.
CUTIVATION AND PROPAGATION
SOIL
It grows well in sandy loam soils with an ample supply of water.
It prefers acidic to neutral soil with a PH range of 6.5-7.5 for its best
growth. Saline soils should be avoided as this plant is susceptible to water
logged conditions.
CLIMATE
It is a semi-humid, subtropical plant and can grow in the
temperature ranges between 04-48o C. An annual average temperature of 31o C
with a rainfall of 140 cm per year has been found optimum for its good growth.
It shows good seed germination when subjected to light and warm conditions.
Hence, a long growing season, minimal frost, high light intensities and warm
temperature favors higher leaf production. Stevia is a short day plant, but the
concentration of stevioside in the leaves increases when the plants are grown
under long day conditions. The day temperatures should not exceed 48 oC and the
night temperatures should not fall below 04 o C.
LAND PREPARATION
The land sites are plowed and or cultivated twice to prepare a
fairly smooth, firm-planting surface.
CULTIVATION PROPAGATION
Stevia plants can be propagated from cuttings or seeds or by
tissue culture. As the seed germination is very poor and seedlings are very
slow to establish, it is generally propagated clonally through cuttings. For
vegetative propagation, stem cuttings of 15 cm length taken from leaf axils of
the current year’s growth have been given better results. Treatment with
Paclobutrazol @ 100ppm has been found to induce the root initiation in short
time and IBA@500 ppm is also found to be effective. The best months for
propagation are February-March. The cuttings will be ready for transplanting
after 25-30 days of rooting.
TRANSPLANTS
Transplants from cuttings would be superior; however, cost makes
it prohibitive. Stevia must be propagated from seed in plug trays placed in a
greenhouse for a period of 7 to 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 75 cm
bed with row spacing of 45 cm at 45 cm height with a total plant density
in the order of 30,000 plants per Acre.
FERTILIZATION
The plant appears to have low nutrient requirements; however a
soil test should be conducted. Good organic manure must be applied time to time
WEED CONTROL
This crop also requires hand hoeing and weeding. After every 2
months there must be weeding
PESTS
Insect pest pressures other than cutworm are minimal. Septoria
disease can cause considerable damage to the Stevia crop. Animals seem to like
the sweet taste of Stevia, too. Application on neem based product will manage
the disease and pests.
HARVESTING
Time of harvesting depends on land variety and growing season.
Generally, it can be scheduled when plants are 40-60 centimeters in height.
Shorter days induce flowering. Optimum yield (biomass) and stevioside quality
and quantity is best just prior to flowering. The plant will tolerate very low
temperatures.
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. An estimated 2500 kg/Acre dry green
leaves are obtained from three-four cutting of every year. It is cultivated up
to 5 years after a one time plantation.
THRESHING
Immediately following drying, a specially designed
thresher/separator is necessary to separate dry Stevia leaves from its stem.
Farm
development:-
Still
the farm is in open location and it is undeveloped. First of all the farm will
be develop then after it will require the fencing. There is no availability of
the water so the water source will be required for the irrigation water.
COST OF CULTIVATION OF STEVIA
Stevia
is newly introduced new crop with the regular earning. As the first cutting of
the crop start after six month of the sowing and there is regular cutting after
every 3-4 Months as per climatic condition. The crop is at high demand as it is
only source of natural sweetener. The crop is the first choice of the sugar
free industry. The processing plants have also been established in the country.
The crop is planted for five years. After the fifth year the marginal return
start to decline so it is best to uproot crop and replant it.
FOR ONE ACRE LAND
S.N.
|
Particulars
|
Activity
|
I
-Year
|
II-Year
|
III-Year
|
IV
-Year
|
V-
Year
|
1
|
Field
Preparation
|
Cultivator,
Deep Ploughing, Levelling
|
2,000
|
-------
|
--------
|
--------
|
---------
|
2
|
Manure / Fertilizers
|
Dry
cow dung manure
And
Biofungiside
|
20,000
|
10000
|
10000
|
10000
|
10000
|
3
|
Plants
|
30,000
Plants
@ Rs
3 / Plant
|
90,000
|
-------
|
-------
|
-------
|
---------
|
4
|
Drip
Irrigation Installation
|
30,000
|
--------
|
--------
|
---------
|
---------
|
|
5
|
Weeding
and Intercultural operations
|
This
will be done manually after every 2 month (6 operation per year)
|
6,000
|
6,000
|
6,000
|
6000
|
6000
|
6
|
Planting
Charges
|
To
place the plants in the field
|
2,000
|
-------
|
--------
|
--------
|
-----------
|
7
|
Harvesting
|
Cutting
the leaves
|
1500
|
2000
|
2000
|
2000
|
2000
|
8
|
Electricity
|
To
operate the drip system
|
5,000
|
5000
|
5000
|
5000
|
5000
|
19
|
Leaves
Drying
|
750
|
1000
|
1000
|
1000
|
1000
|
|
10
|
Maintenance
|
Normal
Take care of the farm and other mislenous expanses
|
15,000
|
15,000
|
15,000
|
15,000
|
15,000
|
TOTAL
EXPENCES
|
1,
72,250
|
39,000
|
39,000
|
39,000
|
39,000
|
||
INOME FROM THE PRODUCTION
|
|||||||
S.N.
|
Particulars
|
I
-Year
|
II-Year
|
III-Year
|
IV
-Year
|
V-
Year
|
|
1
|
Production
|
Dry Leaves in Kg.
|
1500
|
2500
|
2500
|
2500
|
2500
|
2
|
Amount
|
@ Rs 100/Kg
|
150000
|
250000
|
250000
|
250000
|
250000
|
Total investment for five year
plantation on one acre = 3, 28,250 /=
Total return from the
five year plantation =
11, 50,000 /=
FOR FIVE ACRE LAND
1. Total
expenses for cost of cultivation for the
5 Acre land = 16,41,250 /=
2. Total
return from plantation from 5 Acre land in
5 year cycle = 57,50,000 /=
Total expences in first year
1. Cost
of land/ farm development 5,25,000
/=
2. Cost
of cultivation of first year 8,81,250
/=
...............................................................................................................................
Total expenses in first
year 13,86,250 /=
...............................................................................................................................
Net Return
Net Return from the per year
per Acre plantation
S.N.
|
Particulars
|
Amount
|
1
|
Total return from plantation from 5 Acre land
in 5 year cycle
|
57,50,000 /=
|
2
|
Total Expenses for the Farm development
|
(-)
5,25,000 /=
|
3
|
Total expenses for cost of cultivation for the 5 Acre land
|
(-) 16,41,250 /=
|
4
|
Net return
from plantation from 5 Acre land in 5
year cycle
|
35,83,750 /=
|
Net return per year
per acre
|
1,43,350 /=
|
THANK YOU
