Agro technology for Stevia  (Stevia rebaudiana).

Production of steviosides and rebaudiosides through processing of dried leaves of stevia.

Steviosides are used for preparation of pharmaceutical products (helpful for hypoglycemia and diabetes), for flavour enhancer, in food and beverage application as a replacement for sugar and artificial sweeteners, in herbal tea etc. Steviosides are 250- 300 times sweetener than sugar.

Grown as a perennial in subtropical and mild temperate regions but must be grown as an annual in mid and high altitude. Has been introduced in HP, J&K, Punjab, Harayana, UP, Uttaranchal, MP, Karnataka, TN etc.

Average maximum and minimum temperature between 10 ^oC- 37 ^oC during the active crop growth period. Relative humidity ranging from 65 – 85 %. Stevia can tolerate rains but is prone to frost. Thrives best in well drained red soil and sandy loam soil with a pH ranging from 5.5- 7.7.

Through stem cuttings as well as through seeds. Transplanted rooted cuttings give better results. Rooted cuttings of 4- 5 weeks old  are transplanted in the field during March- April and June- July at spacing of 45 cm x 45 cm.

Frequent irrigation after transplanting and then at weekly interval. Fertilized through organic manures by applying 25- 30 ton/ha FYM at the time of field preparation. First harvest taken 75- 90 days after transplanting and subsequent harvests after 60- 75 days of the first harvest   Economic life: 3-4 yr.

Average fresh biomass yield of 25 – 30 ton/ha/yr from two harvests gives 13- 16 q/ha dried leaf yield

Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology,Post Box No. 6 Palampur (H.P.) 176061 INDIA Tel: +91-1894-230742-43 Fax: +91-1894-230433
E-mail:director@ihbt.res.in