Stevia

Stevia leaf, commonly known as the “sugar leaf, and honey leaf” and much related other names in the local. Stevia plant is also known as “Meethi Tulsi” in the local. Basically, stevia leaves widely used for its higher sugar content & also to treat some of the health conditions by the local. Stevia leaves are also a good source of Zero calorie Sweet.

Stevia leaves are 20 times sweeter as compared to the normal sugar. The essence of the stevia Rebaudioside-A is something around 300 to 400 times sweeter than the normal sugar. The sweetness of stevia leaves can be sensed over a long time. Amazing!! What a sweeter and Delicious it is!

There are 2 substances in stevia leaves,

1) Stevioside (about 10 % -20 %) and also,

2) Rebaudioside-A (about 1-3 %)

The Stevioside may remain stable at the temperature of 100° C. This fact is the significant benefit of Stevioside over various other sweeteners. Because of these ingredients, the research on this plant also stated as the safe sweetener in the world.

In the present time, lots of people suffer from the diabetic problem. Since the main characteristic of stevia plant or stevia leaves is that use of this will helps in lessens the blood sugars level in the body as it does not contain any calorie, it is also referred as zero calorie plant in the local.

Here below is a list of some health benefits of the stevia plant.

• Stevia plant uses as a natural sweetener as has high sugar content than normal sugar with Zero calories.
• Stevia plant uses most by the diabetic patient to lessen the sugar levels in the blood.
• Use of stevia plant or leaves is also helpful in providing protection to gums & teeth.
• Use of stevia leaves has effective results in beating dandruff and acne problem
• Use of stevia leaves helpful in reducing the heartburn problem
• Use of stevia leaves helpful in reducing the indigestion problem that it avoids gas problem
• Stevia plant uses as a natural sweetener for weight loss
• It heals wounds faster, try it.
• Use of it may also help in minimizing fine lines & wrinkles on the face.
• Stevia plant can be also used as best sweetener for coffee, so avoid those healthiest artificial sweeteners & stay fit.

CLIMATE:

Almost all States of India, Indian Ocean countries, as this crop can grow well in the tropical & sub-tropical areas, an idle temp. Ranging from 28° C to 33° C is a good thing that can boost your commercial stevia leaves production. An avg. rainfall about 150 mm per annum is essential needs to produce a higher amount of stevia leaves. This states that we can also operate this commercial farming in those low regions where there is low rainfall. It is grown in moderate temperature. It can’t tolerate excess of cold & hot climate.

SOIL:

For the successful cultivation of Stevia, sandy loam land with proper drainage power, rich in organic matters & red in color is considered as the idle soil for its cultivation. The pH of the essential soil should be ranged from 6 to 7. It has been found that this range is best suitable for the cultivation of stevia in the water filled or alkaline land. Drip Irrigation is the best option for this plant.

PROPAGATION:

The plantation can be done by following methods:

• Plants by tissue culture (More effective in Indian climatic conditions)
• Plant by seeds
• Plants by cutting & developed in Nursery

In this commercial cultivation, propagation is mainly done by the cutting stem of the plant. Cut the plant stem about 15 centimetres longer from the leaf axils part, of present year growth. This will make you more profitable via raising the annual profit as more leaves production.

PLANTING SEASON:

Stevia plant can be cultivated though out the complete year. However, the best period for the propagation of Stevia plant is from February to March that is cold weather. These cuttings became ready for grafting after about a month of rooting of the plant.

HIGH-DENSITY PLANTING:

High-density planting in stevia crop leads to higher production of leaves. So, plant about 23000 plants of stevia per unit acre land for high density planting is beneficial in optimum production of leaves.

SPACING:

For high density planting, a good spacing between each plant & row is essential. Transplant those rooten plants on the raised beds which are 15 cm higher & about 60 cm wider. The rows in the stevia crop should be kept about 40 to 45 cm apart. The plant are planted, keeping a distance of 35 cm between them.

With the help of this rows spacing & Plant spacing, you can achieve a high-density planting of stevia. You can plant about 23000 no’s of plant per unit acre land. This is sufficient enough to earn a great profit from this.

IRRIGATION:

This crop is not able to tolerate drought well. Drought gives bad results in this crop, it reduces the yield. That means this crop requires frequent water at regular interval of time. It is good to or should be irrigated during the 10 days alternate in the winter season and in the summer, every week. Although sprinklers or drip irrigation are best suited for this crop.  Avoid the excessive moisture level in the soil; it is not favorable for the good growth of stevia plant.

Farmers used to irrigate this crop with the help of traditional method of irrigation. But, produce higher amount of stevia leaves, drip irrigation system us recommended to you. Drip irrigation system has plenty of benefits over the traditional method of irrigation. Take care that this crop did not needs water in the winter season & rainy season.

DISEASE AND PEST CONTROL:

Generally, not a single type of disease or worm is found in the stevia crop. But sometimes the spots on the leaves are observed, which are characteristic of the lack of boron element in the Soil. For this, a controlled amount of the liquid booster can be sprayed. Spraying neem oil with water is effective in controlling all type of pest & disease, if found in stevia crop.

HARVESTING:

Stevia leaves became ready for their first harvesting at approximately about 4 months after planting. After that, up to three year, you can harvest them at an interval of three months. By following this way, you will be able to obtain 3 or 4 harvesting per annum for about three years (well, there are reports of stevia plants as old as 11 years). After that, the % stevioside level in the leaves is reduced, so, the entire plant is harvested about 6 to 7 cm above from the ground.

VARITIES OF PLANT

The popularly known varieties of Stevia are as follows. The selection of the variety for cultivation should be done according to the climatic conditions of the area.