STEVIA 'A Wonder Plant'
Commonly referred to as Stevia Leaf, Sugar Leaf, Honey Leaf, and MeethiTulsi in India, this versatile plant is gaining recognition for its numerous benefits.
India is the world’s largest consumer of cane sugar and is estimated to have one of the highest diabetic populations globally. Stevia rebaudianaBertoni, from the Asteraceae family, offers a non-caloric and natural alternative to cane sugar. Known for its high potency and non-nutritive sweetening properties, Stevia is a suitable substitute for sucrose, commonly consumed in India.
The sweetness in Stevia stems from its compounds stevioside and rebaudioside, which are diterpeneglucosides 300-450 times sweeter than sucrose. Stevioside, in particular, comprises about 3-10% of the plant’s dry matter, and importantly, it does not chemically break down during digestion, making it safe for diabetic patients. Its popularity is rising as an alternative to artificial sweeteners, which are currently used in the soft drink industry alone to replace approximately 40,000 tons of sugar annually, valued at over $12 million.
Global and Indian Cultivation
Stevia is extensively cultivated in countries such as China, Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay, and Venezuela. In India, states like Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka, and Odisha are major Stevia-producing regions. China leads in global cultivation and supply, while Japan and South Korea are among the largest consumers.
Benefits & Uses of Stevia
Traditionally, South Americans have used Stevia to aid weight loss, treat infections, reduce inflammation, and combat depressive symptoms. Today, Stevia serves a wide range of commercial uses, from being a tabletop sweetener in beverages like tea, coffee, and soft drinks, to applications in dairy products, desserts, and baked goods. It is favored by those following diabetic and weight-loss diets due to its zero-calorie sweetness. Additionally, Stevia offers antioxidant properties and is also used as a flavor enhancer in various food items, from chewing gum to sauces, and even alcoholic beverages.
Stevia also boasts uses in non-edible products like toothpaste, mouthwash, and skincare products, thanks to its bactericidal properties. Its extracts are found in diabetic foods and hypertension control supplements. Stevia's applications also extend to agricultural uses as a plant growth regulator and even in tobacco flavoring.
Stevia Cultivation Requirements
Stevia flourishes in poor, sandy, acidic soil with a pH range of 5 to 7, though well-drained soil with moderate water retention is ideal. Avoiding saline and alkaline soils is crucial, as these conditions are not conducive to Stevia's growth. The optimal temperature range for cultivation lies between 28°C and 33°C. In India, Stevia is grown across various climates, although it thrives best without exposure to extreme cold or heat.
For commercial purposes, sandy loam soil enriched with organic matter like Vermicompost, Neem Cake, Gypsum, and Trichoderma is recommended. Drip irrigation is preferred to maintain proper soil moisture. Propagation can be done using tissue culture or seeds, with stem cutting being the most effective method for higher profitability. High-density planting yields around 30,000–40,000 plants per acre, contributing to a robust harvest cycle.
Cultivation Cycles and Harvesting
Stevia can be cultivated year-round in India, with peak propagation periods from June to August and January to February. Harvesting usually begins 90-110 days after transplantation, with subsequent cuts every 90 days, making it a resilient perennial crop with a lifespan of up to five years.
| MORITA (INTERNATIONAL) | SRB (SEED BASE) |
|---|---|
| Morita-1 | SRB-125 |
| Morita-2 | SRB-123 |
| Morita-3 | SRB-512 |
Stevia Varieties: Morita vs. SRB
Stevia is grown in two primary varieties: Morita and SRB, each with its own characteristics:
| Sr. No. | Particulars | Morita | SRB |
| 1 | Cultivation Period | 5 Years | 3 Years |
| 2 | Production | 7000-8000 Kg | 3500-4000 Kg |
| 3 | Mortality Rate | 5-7% | 15-20% |
| 4 | Sweetness | 25-30% | 16-21% |
| 5 | Price per Plant | ₹3.5 | ₹1.5 |
| 6 | Varieties Available | Morita-1, 2, 3 | SRB-123, 125, 512 |
New Insights and Innovations in Stevia Cultivation
Recent research has shown that intercropping Stevia with plants like Moringa and Amla can enhance soil health, control weed growth, and improve overall yield. Additionally, advancements in organic farming techniques for Stevia, such as integrating natural pesticides and pest repellents, have further bolstered its status as an eco-friendly crop.
As demand for natural sweeteners continues to grow globally, India’s cultivation of Stevia is poised to expand. This surge in production not only promises economic benefits but also offers an environmentally sustainable and health-conscious alternative to traditional sugar.