Visakhapatnam: A group of researchers at Centurion University of Technology and Management, Vizianagaram, not only conducted research on Stevia but also secured six patents for it. They are currently engaged in extensive research to produce millions of Stevia plants through tissue culture and supply them across Andhra Pradesh.
Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) is a plant native to Mexico. The leaves of this plant are dried, and the juice is mechanically extracted to produce Stevia powder. It is not only approximately 200 times sweeter than sugar but can also help regulate blood sugar levels in diabetic patients.
The research team, including Prof. S Eswara Reddy, Prof. Anil Kumar, Dr. V Thriveni, and Prof. SP Nanda, under the guidance of Centurion founder Prof. DN Rao, are working on enhancing this beneficial plant.
“The substance derived from the Stevia plant is used in 86% of bakery products in Japan. The US govt has also granted approvals for the use of Stevia-derived products. In India, Stevia is widely cultivated in Punjab, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh. If farmers in AP begin cultivating Stevia as a commercial crop, they have the potential to earn significant income alongside favourable market prices,” the researchers told TOI.
“In the first year, farmers can yield approximately one ton per acre. The cost of cultivation per acre is 1.8 lakh, while the income in the first year is estimated to be 3 lakh, 5 lakh in the second year, and 5.5 lakh in the third year, according to the scientists. This globally popular plant is sold in Australia for 400 (nearly five dollars) per unit, while Centurion University plans to provide it to farmers at nominal prices and purchase their products directly,” said Prof. Anil Kumar.
“If Stevia is used in the preparation of Tirupati laddus instead of sugar, even diabetic patients can enjoy the religious offering. We recently briefed state endowments minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy on the benefits of Stevia products,” added Prof. Anil.
“We currently have several thousand Stevia plants in the nursery. We want to spread the sweetness of Stevia among all stakeholders,” the researchers added.
