Stevia is called natural sweetener. However, this leaf is sweeter than sugar by 30 to 40 times. Moreover, when the same leaf is dried and powdered, the sweetness increases to almost 50 times. Stevia leaves, resembling basil leaves, are also known as honey leaf or sugar leaf.
Health tips : In addition, many diabetics consume Stevia and its extracts as an alternative to sugar. People in many countries around the world consume Stevia and its derivatives instead of sugar.
Due to being sweeter and having medicinal properties more than sugar, Stevia is seen as a potential crop in some areas of various countries where Stevia cultivation has begun at the farmer level.
Experts say that if cultivated properly from planting to proper care, this crop is feasible. The price per kilogram of raw or dried leaf sugar ranges from two to four thousand taka. As a result, it is possible to earn 5 to 6 lakh taka per hectare per year by cultivating Stevia. Although Stevia was once produced more in Brazil, China is now producing more. However, despite being sweeter than sugar, Stevia adds a bit of a bitter taste to mixed food. Therefore, Stevia has not been able to replace traditional sugar. Efforts are being made to bring the taste of sugar without bitterness.
It is known that after the successful cultivation of experimental crops, farmers have started cultivating Stevia. The Sugar Crops Research Institute provides training to farmers. Tissue culture method is used for seed production of Stevia. Stevia can be planted in the field throughout the year. Therefore, if farmers want, they can plant Stevia seedlings in the field at any time of the year.
It is a cost-free crop. Although pesticides are used for cultivating yams at present, no pesticides are used for Stevia cultivation. However, regular watering is required.
In conclusion, Stevia presents a promising opportunity for farmers due to its high sweetness, medicinal properties, and potential profitability compared to traditional sugar crops. While it's sweeter than sugar and favored by diabetics, its slightly bitter taste has hindered widespread adoption. Efforts are ongoing to mitigate this bitterness and make Stevia a more palatable alternative. With proper cultivation techniques and support from research institutes, Stevia cultivation is gaining momentum, offering a cost-effective and pesticide-free crop option for farmers.
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