Odisha, India – Centurion University of Technology and Management (CUTM) has made a significant advancement in agricultural biotechnology with the development of Harihar Stevia, a superior mutant variety of Stevia rebaudiana. This breakthrough offers a higher Rebaudioside-A (7.44%) content compared to Stevioside (5.64%), ensuring a better sweetness profile while maintaining stevia’s well-known health benefits.
Global and National Stevia Market Growth
Stevia, known as the “sweet herb of Paraguay,” has gained immense popularity due to its natural, zero-calorie sweetness. The global stevia market is rapidly expanding, with projected consumption reaching 8,507 tonnes by 2025. While Japan and Korea lead in consumption, China remains the largest producer. India is now emerging as a major player, thanks to scientific advancements like the one pioneered by Centurion University.
Scientific Leadership and Research Excellence
The development of Harihar Stevia was led by Prof. D.N. Rao, Vice President, in collaboration with Prof. S. Eswara Reddy, Prof. S.P. Nanda, and Dr. Vangapandu Thriveni. Notably, Dr. Thriveni has also developed an advanced tissue culture protocol for stevia, ensuring high-quality and uniform planting material. Prof. Anil Jonnalagadda is spearheading efforts to distribute tissue culture planting material to farmers across Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.
Economic Benefits and Farmer Empowerment
Stevia cultivation presents a highly profitable alternative to traditional crops. It thrives in sandy loam soil with a pH range of 5.0-7.5 under warm and humid tropical climates. The key benefits include:
- High-yield potential: 2.0-2.5 tonnes/ha (first year), increasing to 4.0-4.5 tonnes/ha in later years
- Market price: Rs.150-175/kg
- Net income: Rs.2.0-2.7 lakhs/ha/year
- Long-term productivity: Stevia plantations yield for up to 4-5 years
- Employment generation: Expanding cultivation in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana is set to benefit hundreds of farmers and workers
Expanding Applications of Stevia
Stevia is widely used in multiple industries, making it an ideal crop for commercial farming:
Food & Beverage Industry:
- Sugar substitute in diabetic diets and health-conscious products
- Used in tea, coffee, juices, soft drinks, desserts, and confectionery
- Common ingredient in chewing gum, toothpaste, and mouthwashes
Health & Pharmaceutical Benefits:
- Hypertension and blood pressure regulation
- Weight management and obesity control
- Rich in antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties
- Prevention of tooth decay and improvement in oral health
- Taste-enhancer in medicinal pills and capsules
Post-Harvest Processing and Market Value
To maintain quality and fetch premium market value, stevia leaves must be dried properly. The harvested crop is dried in the shade or at 40°C in hot air ovens to preserve its steviol glycoside (SG) content. The university has also developed six patented innovations for stevia cultivation and processing, reinforcing India’s position in the global market.
Future Prospects & Expansion
With Centurion University’s intervention, stevia farming is expanding across multiple acres, offering a sustainable and profitable livelihood to farmers. The university is committed to ensuring quality planting material, standardized cultivation techniques, and market linkage support for farmers.
For more information, contact:
Centurion University of Technology and Management
Email: info@cutm.ac.in
Website: www.cutm.ac.in
