Growing stevia has emerged as a wonderful choice for farmers searching for opportunities. Stevia, a natural sweetener, is very popular with the food sector and health-conscious customers. The plant’s sweet leaves provide a calorie-free sugar alternative, which makes it perfect for managing diabetes. Growing stevia may be a profitable and satisfying work, particularly given the growing need for natural sweeteners.
You will learn about the historical background, current popularity, and growing methods of stevia from this blog. In addition, you will learn about planting methods, pest control, soil and climate conditions for stevia farming. Prepare to know about the advantages and possibilities of stevia growing.
Historical Background of Stevia
The history of stevia is interesting and long. Originating in South America, the plant is called Stevia rebaudiana. Stevia leaves have been used for generations by traditional peoples in Brazil and Paraguay. They used stevia to sweeten their drinks and traditional medicines. Additionally, its sweet flavour was initially discovered by the Guarani people.
European explorers found that local people were utilising stevia in the sixteenth century. Then, they brought the plant to Europe. Around the 19th century, researchers started examining the sweetness of stevia. The researchers found that the sweet taste is produced by a molecule known as stevioside.
Stevia became more popular in Japan in the 20th century. As a natural sweetener, it replaced artificial sweeteners in the Japanese food industry.
Popularity of Stevia As a Healthy Sugar Attribute
Natural sweetener stevia is becoming more and more popular among farmers and health-conscious consumers. Stevia has no calories that does not raise blood sugar levels. Moreover, for individuals who have diabetes or are trying to control their weight, this makes it a great alternative.
To add sweetness to foods and drinks, stevia leaves are crushed and processed into a white powder. Stevia is turning out to be a successful crop for many farmers. The food and beverage industries are big fans of stevia because it’s a natural product. Its popularity presents a good chance for farmers looking for another way to make money.
Cultivation Process of Stevia
Climate Conditions
Warm areas are ideal for stevia growth. In temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C, it grows well. Importantly, frost-free conditions are necessary since plants can’t tolerate cold temperatures.
Pick a spot with lots of sunlight since Stevia enjoys sunlight. Make sure there are 6 to 8 hours of sunlight every day in your area. To avoid waterlogging, stevia plants want soil that drains properly. Additionally, 1200 to 1500 mm of annual rainfall is excellent for stevia’s growth. If there is less rainfall in your location, offer irrigation.
Stay away from highly humid places since they might cause illnesses. All things considered, stevia grows healthily in a warm, bright atmosphere.
Selecting The Right Variety of Stevia
Selecting the proper stevia variety is essential for high yields. There are lots of options, but choose one that is appropriate for the climate in your area. Among the popular options are Stevia Rebaudiana and Stevia Morita. Additionally, for more sweetness, look for a variety with a high stevioside concentration.
Land Preparation And Soil Conditions
The ideal soil for stevia growth is sandy loam with sufficient drainage. The ideal pH range for the soil is 6.5 to 7.5. For good development, make sure there is a lot of organic matter in the soil.
Plough the field deeply and remove all the weeds to prepare the soil. Level the soil to produce a smooth planting bed. A tractor can facilitate this process. Many farmers choose Mahindra 585 DI Power Plus BP tractors for this task. This tractor comes with a 50 HP engine and 45 HP PTO, which can efficiently operate implements. Moreover, the Mahindra 585 DI Power Plus BP price is cost-effective for farmers.
Planting Techniques
Proper stevia planting is necessary for healthy development. Plough and level the soil first to get it ready. Next, arrange the stevia seedlings in rows approximately 30 cm apart. A 45 cm space between each row will improve air circulation. Additionally, while stevia seeds can be planted directly, planting seedlings improves planting success rates.
Plant seedlings gently in the ground, covering the roots with soil. Don’t overwater; it might damage young plants. Mulch application helps with moisture retention and weed control.
Irrigation Practice
Careful watering is necessary for stevia to develop healthily. Regularly water the plants, especially when the weather is dry. Importantly, don’t overwater; it might lead to root rot. The most effective method of watering is drip irrigation, as it reaches the roots directly. Moreover, it sustains soil moisture content while avoiding excessive hydration.
In order to keep the plants from drying out during hot weather, water them more often. Watering in the morning allows moisture to seep into the soil throughout the day. Track the amount of moisture in the soil to prevent plant stress.
Pest And Disease Management
Controlling pests and diseases is essential to growing stevia. Aphids, whiteflies, and cutworms are common pests that harm plants. Inspect the plants on a regular basis and, if feasible, manually remove pests.
To reduce pest populations without endangering beneficial insects, use organic insecticides. Make sure there is enough air circulation between plants to control diseases. Moreover, fungicides can help in the management of fungal diseases such as leaf spots. To stop diseases from spreading, always remove infected plants.
Harvesting
Stevia harvesting involves careful attention to get the highest yield. Track the plant’s growth at first, then harvest the leaves when the amount of stevioside in them is at its peak. This usually happens right before the plant flowers. A few inches above the ground cut the stems with sharp scissors or shears.
For transporting the harvested crops, you can use Powertrac Euro 47. It has a 1600 kg lifting capacity and 50 litres of fuel tank. These best features makes Powertrac Euro 47 Price feasible for the farmers.
Conclusion
Farmers have a fantastic chance to look into a sustainable and profitable crop: stevia growing. Farmers can get high yields by knowing the soil, climate, and planting methods. Stevia is a profitable choice because of the food industry’s increasing need. So take advantage of the huge potential of stevia as a natural sweetener by beginning your stevia farming journey now.
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