Stevia, also called Meethi Tulsi, is a natural sweetener that’s becoming popular around the world. It’s up to 300 times sweeter than sugar but has zero calories, making it perfect for health-conscious people. For farmers in India looking for a low-maintenance and high-profit crop, stevia farming can be a smart move.

In this guide, you will get details on all the steps included in Stevia cultivation.

7 Simple Steps to Start Stevia Farming in India

Stevia farming is quite easy once you know the steps. This plant grows well in warm climates and is perfect for organic and natural farming. Let’s take a look at the entire farming process.

1. Choose the Right Climate and Location

Stevia grows best in warm, sunny weather. It needs a temperature between 20°C and 30°C and cannot handle frost or extreme cold. A place with moderate rainfall and plenty of sunlight is perfect.

Also, avoid waterlogged or rocky areas. Choose a flat, open field where water does not collect during rain. Stevia loves the sun, so make sure your field gets at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily.

2. Preparing the Soil

Stevia grows best in sandy or loamy soil that drains well and has good organic content. The ideal pH level of the soil should be between 6.0 and 7.5. If the soil is too acidic or salty, the crop may not grow properly. To prepare the field, farmers should plough the land 2–3 times to break the hard soil.

For this process, the Mahindra 475 DI is a good choice. This model offers 42 HP, which provides enough power for ploughing and levelling. It comes with a 1500 kg lifting capacity that can easily handle heavy implements, and the 48 litres fuel tank allows working for long hours. Moreover, the Mahindra 475 DI price range is between Rs. 6.90 lakh and Rs. 7.22 lakh.

3. Planting 

Instead of seeds, use stevia cuttings or seedlings from a nursery. Seeds take a lot of time and often don’t give good results. Planting time is usually in the early monsoon (June-July) or during February-March in areas with irrigation. You can follow the given process to plant:

• Keep a spacing of 40 cm between rows and 25 cm between plants.
• Make small holes, place the seedlings, and cover them gently with soil.
• Water immediately after planting.

4. Watering and Irrigation

Stevia doesn’t need too much water. In fact, overwatering can kill the plant. Use drip irrigation to give small, controlled amounts of water, especially in the first few weeks after planting. It also helps save water and avoid fungal diseases caused by wet leaves. For proper irrigation, you can:

• Water once every 2-3 days in summer.
• Reduce watering during winter or the rainy season.

5. Weeding and Care

The plants grow slowly in the beginning, so weeds can become a problem. Also, avoid using heavy chemical sprays. Use neem oil spray or organic pest control if needed. You can keep your field clean by:

• Removing weeds by hand or using light weeding tools.
• Using mulch like dry grass or straw around the plant base to stop weed growth.

6. Harvesting Leaves

Harvesting is the most rewarding stage of farming. Usually, the plant is ready for harvest 4 to 5 months after planting. The best time to harvest is when the plant grows up to 60 cm tall and starts to flower. This is when the leaves contain the highest amount of sweetness.

To harvest, cut the stems around 5 to 10 cm above the ground using a sharp tool. Be careful not to damage the roots, as the plant can regrow. You can expect to take 2 to 3 harvests in one year if managed well.

7. Post-Harvest Management

Once the leaves are cut, they must be dried properly. Do not dry the leaves in direct sunlight, as it reduces their sweetness. Instead, spread them in a shady, airy place to dry slowly. This helps keep their natural taste and health value. After drying, store the leaves in clean, airtight containers to protect them from moisture. 

For bigger farms, using a tractor like the Massey Ferguson 241 DI Mahashakti with a 42 HP engine makes the post-harvest work easier. It has a 1700 kg lifting capacity and a 47-litre fuel tank, which helps in carrying heavy loads and pulling trolleys across the field. Furthermore, this massey tractor price starts from Rs. 6.73 lakh and goes up to Rs. 7.27 lakh.

Final Words

Overall, stevia farming is a great, low-risk, high-reward crop, especially for small and medium farmers. It saves water, grows organically, and gives multiple harvests in a year. Plus, the demand for natural sweeteners is rising every day. With some basic care and planning, stevia can turn into a profitable green gold on your farm. If you’re looking for a sustainable crop with long-term value, stevia is worth a try.