Origin
Origin of Stevia Rebaudiana is in central Paraguay where it grows near the ponds and streams in wild conditions. Native Paraguayans have been consuming this herb in large quantities for many centuries.

While Aspartame and saccharine continue to dominate the non-caloric sweetner scene, a remarkable herb called Stevia remains relatively obscure. Stevia offers an ideal alternative to other sugar substitutes

• Stevia leaves are 20-30 times sweeter than sugar.
• Stevia leaves can be dried and stored.
• Stevia can be used in raw form.
• Stevia is short duration crop. Similarly Stevia can be harvested 3/4 times a year.
• Initial cost of establishment is high 40000 plants per Acre and 5. Rs per Plant.
• Once planted stevia can be harvested 1-2 times a year for five years . .
  One acre of Stevia would produce sweetener equivalent to 36 Acres of Sugar Cane more andthe sweetness in Stevia leaves is healthy and harmless

Climate and soil requirements

The Stevia can be success fully cultivated all around the year all over India except the areas, which receive snowfall, or temperatures go below 5 Degree centigrade in winter.
Soil
Stevia requires very good drainage any soils that retain the moisture for very long period of time are unsuitable for Stevia cultivation. Before Stevia Cultivation every soil sample should be properly tested and analyzed by an expert.
Water
Stevia requires ample supply of good quality water all year around. We recommend drip irrigation system.
Varieties
There are about 90 varieties of Stevia all around world. Basically all these varieties have been developed for different climatic requirements.
Planting Material
There are basically two types of planting material. The first is the tissue culture and second the stem cutting. The tissue culture is the best option.
Planting Material Price
Grow Green Biosciences Private Limited has been offering excellent quality plants at reasonable price of Rupees five per plant (Grow Green Biosciences also guarantees average Steviocide content of 9%).
Planting
The type of agronomic practices generally depends on type of soil and climatic conditions. Generally it is advisable to plant minimum of 40,000 plants per Acre. Since the economical parts of these plants are the leaves it is very important to achieve highest vegetative growth. Ideally Stevia should be planted during rainy season From July- October.
Fertigation
Stevia although mentioned as low feeder our experience shows that Stevia requires regular nutrients for optimum growth. The exact Fertigation schedule can only be recommended along with the proper soil test report.
Weed Control
This plant also requires proper hand hoeing and weeding.
Disease & Pests
Septoria disease can cause considerable damage to the crop. Animals seem to like the sweet taste of Stevia leaves.
Harvesting
Depending on climatic conditions we can achieve the yields of 700-1200 kilos in one to two harvests annually. Another important aspect of harvesting is the timming of harvest. Harvesting should be done as late as possible, since cool autumn temperatures and shorter days tend to intensify the sweetness of the plants as they evolve into a reproductive state.
When the time does come to harvest your stevia, the easiest technique is to cut the branches off with pruning shears before stripping the leaves. As an extra bonus, you might also want to clip off the very tips of the stems and add them to your harvest, as they are apt to contain as much stevioside as do the leaves.
International Markets
There is growing international market for Stevia as well. There are offers to buy container loads of Stevia leaves at a price of two-five dollars per kilo. As mentioned earlier international demand is only for high quality Stevia leaves having minimum 8 % Steviocide content. There is no buyer for Stevia leaves having less than 7% Steviocide content.