STRAWBERRY

1.

INTRODUCTION

Strawberry (Fragaria vesca) is an important fruit crop of India and its commercial production is
possible in temperate and sub-tropical areas of the country.
2.

OBJECTIVE

The main objective of this report is to present a bankable one-acre model for high quality
commercial cultivation of the crop.
3.

BACKGROUND

3.1

Area & Production

Strawberry is cultivated in Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Delhi,
Haryana, Punjab and Rajasthan. Sub-tropical areas in Jammu have also the potential to grow
the crop under irrigated condition.
Estimates of area and production of the crop are not available.
3.2

Economic Importance

Strawberry is rich in Vitamin C and iron. Some varieties viz. Olympus, Hood & Shuksan having
high flavour and bright red colour are suitable for ice-cream making. Other varieties like
Midway, Midland, Cardinal, Hood, Redchief and Beauty are ideal for processing.
4.

MARKET ANALYSIS AND STRATEGY

4.1

Export/Import Trends

India exports strawberry mainly to Austria, Bangladesh, Germany, Jordan & U.S.A.
The trend in export of strawberry from India during the period 1999-2000 to 2001-02 is given
in Graph 1 and country-wise exports during 2000-02 in Table-1.

Table-1 : Country-wise export of fresh

strawberries from India during 2001-02.
Country

Quantity

Value

(Tonnes)

(Rs. in
lakhs)

Austria
4.82
Bangladesh
110.50
Germany
0.01
Jordan
0.25
U.S.A.
1.96
Total
117.55
Source : APEDA, New Delhi

4.2

6.65
4.88
0.005
0.39
0.81
12.74

Analysis and Future Strategy

Strawberry has advantages of easy propogation, early maturity and high yield with 5-9%
sugar. To boost its production there is a need to develop infra-structure facilities for transport of
produce to primary markets as the fruit is highly perishable. Processing facilities in the major
producing states have to be made for value addition.
5.

PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY

5.1

Agro-climatic requirements

Strawberry grows well under temperate climate. Some cultivars can be grown in sub-tropical
climate. Daylight period of 12 hrs. or less and moderate temperature are important for flowerbud formation. Each cultivar has a different day length and temperature requirement.
Sandy loam to loamy soil with pH 5.7-6.5 is ideal for cultivation.
5.2

Varieties Cultivated

Important strawberry varieties cultivated in India are Chandler, Tioga, Torrey, Selva, Belrubi,
Fern and Pajaro. Other varieties include Premier, Red cost, Local Jeolikot, Dilpasand,
Bangalore, Florida 90, Katrain Sweet, Pusa Early Dwarf & Blakemore.

5.3

Land Preparation

The soil is ploughed during summer with a soil turning plough which is followed by repeated
ploughing to make soil friable, remove weeds and stubbles. Soil fumigation with a mixture of
methyl bromide and chloropicrin helps to increase root system, reduce fertilizer requirement
and control the weeds.
5.4

Planting

5.4.1

Planting Material

Strawberry is commercially propagated by runner plants. For large scale propagation of virus
free plants, tissue culture is widely used.
5.4.2

Planting Season

The ideal time of planting runners or crowns in hilly areas is September-October. If the planting
is done too early, plants lack vigour and result in low yield and quality of fruits. If planted very
late, runners develop in March and crops are light.
Runners are uprooted from nursery, made into bundles and planted in the field. These can be
kept in cold storage before transplanting.
The soil should be frequently irrigated to reduce water stress in the leaf. Defoliation
suppresses the plant growth, delays fruiting and reduces yield & quality.
5.4.3

Spacing

Planting distance varies according to variety & type of land. A spacing of 30 cm. x 60 cm. is
usually followed. In the model scheme, a spacing of 30 cm. x 30 cm. with a population of
22,000 plants per acre has been considered which was commonly observed in areas covered
during a field study.
5.5

Nutrition

A fertilizer dose of 25-50 tonnes farmyard manure, 75-100 kg. N, 40-120 kg. P 2O5, 40-80 kg.
K2O/ha. may be applied according to soil type and variety planted.

5.6

Irrigation

Strawberry being a shallow-rooted plant requires more frequent but less amount of water in
each irrigation. Excessive irrigation results in growth of leaves and stolons at the expense of
fruits & flowers and also increases the incidence of Botrytis rot.
Irrigation is applied in furrows between the rows. Trickle and sprinkler irrigation systems are
becoming popular nowadays. In case of trickle irrigation, 30% water and energy are saved.
5.7

Training

Four different types of training systems viz. matted row, spaced row, hill and plastic mulch are
used to train the strawberry plants. Usually matted row system is followed in India.
5.8

Intercultural Operations

The field is kept weed free during the first season by harrowing & ploughing, applying herbicides
or plastic sheet. Inter-cultural practices are continued till the straw mulch is applied.
5.9

Growth regulators

Application of GA3 (50 ppm.) sprayed four days after flowering and maleic hydrazide (0.1-0.3%)
sprayed after flowering increases the yield by 31-41%. Morphactin (@ 50 ppm.) improves the
fruit size.
5.10

Plant Protection Measures

5.10.1 Insect Pests

White grubs, cutworms and hairy caterpillars attack the crop. Areas where strawberries are to
be planted should be free from white grubs and cutworms. Application of endosulfan (0.05%) or
malathion (0.05%) on appearance of caterpillars has been found to be effective in most cases.

5.10.2 Diseases
Main diseases reported are leaf spot and grey mould. Application of carbendazim / thiophanate
methyl has been found to be effective in most cases.
5.10.3 Disorders
Albinism (lack of fruit colour during ripening) is a physiological disorder in strawberry. It is
probably caused by certain climatic conditions and extremes in nutrition. Fruits remain
irregularly pink or even totally white and sometimes swollen. They have acid taste and become
less firm. Albino fruits are often damaged during harvesting and are susceptible to Botrytis
infection and decay during storage.
5.11

Harvesting and Yield

Strawberries are generally harvested when half to three fourths of skin develops
colour. Depending on the weather conditions, picking is usually done on every second or third
day usually in the morning hours. Strawberries are harvested in small trays or baskets. They
should be kept in a shady place to avoid damage due to excessive heat in the open field.
Plants start bearing in second year. An average yield of 45-100 q./ha. is obtained from a
strawberry orchard. However, an average yield of 175-300 q./ha. may be taken from a well
managed orchard.
6.

POST HARVEST MANAGEMENT

6.1

Grading

Fruits are graded on the basis of their weight, size and colour.
6.2

Storage

Fruits can be stored in cold storage at 320C upto 10 days. For distant marketing, strawberries
should be pre-cooled at 40C within 2 hrs. of harvesting and kept at the same temperature. After
pre-cooling, they are shipped in refrigerated vans.

6.3

Packing

Packing is done according to the grades for long distance markets. Fruits of good quality are
packed in perforated cardboard cartons with paper cuttings as cushioning material. Fruits of
lower grades are packed in baskets.
6.4

Transportation

Road transport by trucks/lorries is the most convenient mode of transport due to easy approach
from orchards to the market.
6.5
Marketing
Majority of the growers sell their produce either through trade agents at village level or
commission agents at the market.
7.

TECHNOLOGY SOURCES

Major sources for technology:

(i)
(ii)

8.
8.1

Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture & Forestry, Solan, Nauni173230, Himachal Pradesh.
Directorate of Horticulture, Shivajinagar, Pune, Maharashtra-560003.

ECONOMICS OF A ONE ACRE MODEL

High quality commercial cultivation of crop by using high quality planting material and
drip irrigation leads to multiple benefits viz.

Synchronized growth, flowering and harvesting;

Reduction in variation of off-type and non-fruit plants;
Improved fruit quality;

Costs & Returns

8.2

A one acre plantation of the crop is a viable proposition. Project cost of the model,
along with the basis for costing are exhibited in Annexures I & II. A summary of the
project cost is given in the table below.
Cost Components of a One Acre Model Strawberry Plantation
Sl.
No.
1.

(Amount in Rs.)
Proposed
Expenditure

Component
Cultivation Expenses
(i) Cost of planting material
(ii) Fertilizers & Pestsicides
(iii) Mulching
(iv) Cost of Labour
(v) Others, if any, (Power)
Sub Total

2.

Irrigation
(i) Tube-well/submersible pump
(ii) Cost of Pipeline
(iii) Others, if any
Sub Total

3.
4.

Cost of Drip (Turboline) with Fertigation

Infrastructure
(i) Store & Pump House
(ii) Labour room
(iii) Agriculture Equipments & Implements
(iii) Others, if any, please specify
Sub Total

5.

Land Development
(i) Soil leveling
(ii) Digging
(iii) Fencing
(iv) Others, if any, please specify
Sub Total
Grand Total

200000
11000
12400
14400
3600
241000
50000
50000
40000
20000
10000
5000
35000
4000
29600
33600
4,00,000

N.B: Cost of land, if newly purchased, can be included in the project. This will be limited to
10% of the total project cost.

8.3

The major components of the model are:

Land Development: (Rs. 4.0 thousand): This is the labour cost of shaping and
dressing the land site.
Fencing (Rs. 29.6 thousand): It is necessary to safeguard the orchard by a
barbed wire fencing.
Irrigation Infra-structure (Rs. 50.0 thousand): For effective working with drip
irrigation system, it is necessary to install a tube-well with diesel/electric pumpset
and submersible motor. This is post cost of tube-well for one acre.
Drip Irrigation (Rs. 40.0 thousand): This is average cost of one acre drip system for
the crop inclusive of the cost of fertigation equipment. The actual cost will vary
depending on location, plant population and plot geometry.
Implements & Equipment (Rs. 5.0 thousand): For investment on improved
manually/power operated essential implements and equipment.
Building Infrastructure (Rs. 30.0 thousand): A one acre orchard would require
minimally a labour shed and a store-cum - pump house and a labour shed.
Cost of Cultivation (Rs.2.41 lakhs): Land preparation and planting operations
and cultural practices will involve 206 days of manual labour, the cost of which

will come to Rs.14.40 thousand. The cost of planting material works out to
Rs.2.00 lakhs for 25000 plants @ Rs.8 per plant.
8.4

Labour cost has been put at an average of Rs.70 per man-day. The actual cost will
vary from location to location depending upon minimum wage levels or prevailing wage
levels for skilled and unskilled labour.

8.5

Recurring Production Cost:

Recurring production costs are exhibited
in Annexure III. The main components are planting material, land preparation, inputs
application (FYM, fertilizers, micro-nutrients liming material, plant protection chemicals
etc.), power and labour on application of inputs, inter-cultural and other farm operations.
Returns from the Project: The strawberry is short duration crop. The crop planted in
September-October starts going yield in May-June. It continues to give yield upto
3rd year thereafter it needs re-planted. Average yield of strawberry is 8 tonnes/acre with
good management. The average sale rate is Rs.40,000 per tonne. Thus gross return
works out to Rs.3.20 lakhs per acre/annum. (Vide Annexure-III).

8.6

Project Financing
8.7

Balance Sheet: The projected balance sheet of the model is given

at Annexure IV. There would be three sources of financing the project as below:
Source

Rs. Thousand

Farmers
(50%)

200.00
Capital subsidy (20%)
Term loan
(30%)
Total

share
80.00
120.00
400.00

8.8

Profit & Loss Account: The cash flow statement may be seen in Annexure
V. Annexure VI projects the profit and loss account of the model. Annual gross profit
works out to around Rs.184.70 per acre.

8.9

Repayment of Term Loan: The term loan will be repaid in eleven equated 6 monthly
installments of Rs.10.91 thousand with a moratorium of 12 months. The rate of interest
would have to be negotiated with the financing bank. It has been put at 12% in the model
(vide Annexures VII & VII A).

8.10

Annexure VIII gives depreciation calculations.

Project Viability:
8.11

IRR/BCR: The viability of the project is assessed in Annexure IX. The IRR works out
to 45.07 and the BCR to 1.1.

8.12

The Debt Service coverage ratio calculations are presented in Annexure X. The
average DSCR works out to 8.0.

8.13

Payback Period: On the basis of costs and returns of the model, the pay back period
is estimated at 2.31 years (vide Annexure XI).

8.14

Break-even Point: The break even point will be reached in the third year. At this point
fixed cost would work out to 51.3% of gross sales (vide Annexure XII).

ESTIMATED PROJECT COST

One acre orchard is considered to be an optimal bankable model.
Sr.
No.
1

Particulars
LAND & SITE DEVELOPMENT
LAND
Cost of Development
Leveling & Dressing
Fencing & Gates
BUILDING
Store / Pump House
Labour Shed
PLANT & MACHINERY
Irrigation system
Tube well / Submersible Pump
Drip Irrigation inc. Fertigation system
Farm Equipment Machinery

Scale

Unit Cost
(Rs.)

ACRE

(Rs. in Thousand)
Total
Qty
Cost
1

Nil

Per Acre
Per Rft.

4000
35

1
846
Sub Total

4.00
29.60
33.60

Sq Ft.
Sq. Ft.

200
100

100
100
Sub Total

20.00
10.00
30.00

50000
40000
5000.00

1
1
1
Sub Total

50.00
40.00
5.00
95.00

Sub Total
TOTAL

200.00
11.00
12.40
14.40
3.60
241.40
400.00

Nos.
LS
LS

COST OF CULTIVATION
Planting Material
Input Cost
Mulching
Cost of Labour
Power Cost

COST OF PRODUCTION & PROFITABILITY

Particulars

Year-I

(Rs. in thousand)
Year-III

Year-II

Income

320.00

320.00

320.00

Sales

320.00

320.00

320.00

Cost

135.30

135.10

135.10

Fixed

135.30

135.10

135.10

Manure/fertilizers/chemicals

6.00

6.00

6.00

Direct Labour cost

8.30

8.10

8.10

Other cost

3.60

3.60

3.60

112.40

112.40

112.40

5.00

5.00

5.00

Gross profit

184.70

184.90

184.90

Depreciation

19.20

19.20

19.20

Interest -term loan

14.40

12.40

9.80

151.10

153.30

155.90

Profit After Taxes

151.10

153.30

155.90

Retained Profit

151.10

153.30

155.90

Net cash Accrual

170.30

172.50

175.10

Harvesting & transportation cost

General expenses

Profit before tax

Taxes

RECURRING PRODUCTION COST

(Rs. in thousand)

PARTICULARS

Scale

Rate in
RS.

Year I
Units in
Amt.
Nos. / Kg.

Recurring Expenses
Year II
Units in
Amt.
Nos. / Kg.

A. MANURES / FERTILIZERS/ CHEMICALS

Manure / Fertilizers / Chemicals
LS
PP Chemicals
LS

4.00
2.00
6.00

Sub Total
B. LABOUR COST
Land Preparation
Cultural Operations

4.00
2.00
6.00

Mandays
Mandays

70
70
Sub Total

3
116

0.21
8.10
8.31

116

8.10
8.10

Units

2
Sub Total

1800

3.60
3.60

1800

3.60
3.60

70
10000
300
Sub Total
E. CONTINGENCIES & UNFORSEEN EXPENSES
General Expenses
LS
5000
Sub Total
Grand Total
Revenue
Strawberry
Sales
Rs/Ton
40000
Grand Total

120
8
8

8.40
80.00
24.00
112.40

120
8
8

8.40
80.00
24.00
112.40

5.00
5.00
135.31

5.00
5.00
135.10

320.00
320.00

8 320.00
320.00

C. OTHER COST
Power Charges

D. HARVESTING & TRANSPORTATION COST

Harvesting / Grading / Packing
Mandays
Packing Card Board Boxes
Per Ton
Transportation
Per Ton

PROJECTED BALANCE SHEET

(Rs. in thousands)

Particulars
LIABILITIES

Year 0

Year I

Year II

Year III

Farmer's Share

200.00

200.00

200.00

200.00

Capital Subsidy

80.00

80.00

80.00

80.00

151.10

304.30

460.20

Term Loan

120.00

120.00

98.20

76.40

Total

400.00

551.10

682.50

816.60

400.00

400.00

380.80

361.60

19.20

19.20

19.20

400.00

380.80

361.60

342.40

170.30

320.90

474.20

400.00

551.10

682.50

816.60

Reserves & Surpluses

ASSETS
Fixed Assets
Less Depreciation
Net Block
Cash & Bank Balance
Total

PROJECTED PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT

(Rs. in thousands)

Particulars
Sales Realisation

Year I
320.00

Year II
320.00

Year III
320.00

Total Costs

135.30

135.10

135.10

Gross Profit

184.70

184.90

184.91

Depreciation

19.20

19.20

19.20

Interest on Term Loan

14.40

12.40

9.80

151.10

153.30

155.90

Profit after Tax

151.10

153.30

155.90

Retained Profit

151.10

153.30

155.90

Net Cash Accruals

170.30

172.50

175.10

0.00

151.10

304.30

151.10

304.30

460.20

Profit before Tax

Taxes

PROFIT & LOSS ACCOUNT

Opening Balance
Closing Balance

BREAK EVEN ANALYSIS

(Rs. in thousands)

Particulars

Year III
(At Optimum Level)

Gross Sales

320.00

Fixed Cost (incl. Dep. & Int.)

164.10

0.00

Variable Cost

320.00

Contribution
Break Even Point (%)

51.30

Cash BEP (%)

51.30

PAY BACK PERIOD

(Rs. in thousand)

Particulars

Year I

Year II

Year III

Capital Investment

400.00

Net Cash Accruals

170.30

172.50

175.10

Cumulative Income

170.30

342.80

517.80

Payback Period

2.31 Years

DEBT SERVICE COVERAGE RATIO

Particulars

Year I

Net Profit after tax

Year II

Year III

151.10

153.30

155.90

19.20

19.20

19.20

0.00

0.00

0.00

14.40

12.40

9.80

184.70

184.90

184.90

14.40

12.40

9.80

0.00

21.80

21.80

Total

14.40

34.30

31.60

DSCR

12.80

5.40

5.80

Depreciation
Preliminary Exp. W/O Added Back
Interest
Total
Term Loan Interest
Term Loan Repayment

AVERAGE DSCR

8.00

Sandalwood Plantation Project

SANDALWOOD
(santalum album L.)
Family : Santalaceae

Sandalwood is a highly valued aromatic plant with increasing demand. It is a small evergreen
plant with slender branches up to 6m in height. Softwood is white and the heartwood is
yellowish brown and strongly scented. On steam distillation of this heartwood Sandalwood oil is
obtained that is widely used in perfumery, cosmetic and drug industries.

SOIL AND CLIMATE :

Sandalwood tree is adapted to a wide variety of soils with pH ranging from 4.5 to 5.5 with area
temperature ranging from 5 to 50 degree Celsius. It is not region specific and can adapt to
different environmental condition. The plantation-grown trees with irrigation and fertilization
perform exceedingly well compared to natural forest condition. It grows on clay to sandy loam
soil. The trees grown on poor soils, particularly on stony or gravelly soil, dont attain such large
dimensions, but produce more highly scented wood, giving a better yield of oil. Naturally it has
been found to grow in Deccan plateauat an altitude of 600 to 1050m, with annual rainfall of 600
to 1000 mm. which is considered ideal for this species. The formation of heartwood seems to be
best at between 600 to 900 m altitude.

PLANTING TIME :
Ideal time of is May- june with the onset of monsoon. But if proper irrigation facility is available,
can be planted throughout the year.

SPACING :
15 feet plant to plant and 13 feet row to row, permanent host plant 7.5 feet to 7.5 feet. About 216
sandalwood plants may be accommodated per acre.

PLANTING :
Pits of 45 cm x 45 cm x 45 cm size are dug at 15 feet x 13 feet distance and should be left for
15-20 days exposing to sunlight. FYM is applied before planting. This is done during April-May.

CULTURAL OPERATION ON PLANTATION :

Soil working is to be done to a radius of 50 cm once in a six months. Host plants tending to
overgrow sandal plants are pruned. Climber cutting is necessary as and when required.
Adequate protection against fire and grazing by way of fencing the area is necessary either by
barbed wire or chain mesh. Replacement may be done during the second planting season.

AFTER CARE :
After 4 months of planting when the saplings are well established, organic manure like
vermicompost of FYM @ 2 kg/ plant is applied and mixed with the soil around crown of the
plant. For quick initial growth watering may be done at 15-20 days interval during winter and 8-9
days during summer. Manuring for 3rd time may be done after 8-9 months of planting @ 3-4 kg
FYM/Plant. Thereafter , manuring twice per year before and after monsoon along with light
earthing up @ 4-5 kg FYM/plant each time may be done. Regular weeding and hoeing in
between are also necessary. The plant attains a height of 4-5 feet, in the year and about 8-10
feet in the second year following this treatment. From 5 th year onward the planting starts regular
seep production. From 10th year one plant produces about 2-3 kg seds per year. Timely
irrigation, fertilizer application, soil working, pruning and inducing stress are the important
criteria for better and healthy growth of sandalwood plant and heartwood formation.

Heartwood formation:
Sandalwood is harvested for its rich heartwood and fragrant oil. The formation and development
of heartwood depends on age, growth, soil and rainfall. Genetic factor also seem to play an
important role. Heartwood is contained within the trunk, root and major branches. The
heartwood formation in sandalwood is found to start from 5 years of age onwards. Investigation
revealed that host influences heartwood formation in addition to growth and development.

Harvesting:

The Sandalwood plants are progressively harvested between the ages of 10 to 15 years.
Expected production of heartwood per tree at the end of 15 years. Expected production of
heartwood per tree at the end of 15 years would be about 15 to 40kgs. Harvesting at this age is
much more economical and commercially viable. The root is also scented and richest in oil
contents. Therefore, harvesting is done by uprooting the tree and not by just cutting above the
ground surface. Harvesting is usually done during monsoon dry period invariably.

Risk Factor:
All Medicinal and Aromatic plants depend on nature, soil and climatic condition.

RETURN AFTER 10 YEARS:

Total number of Sandalwood Plant per acre

Less per Acre @ 15% (32 Nos.) Mortality

=216 Nos.
= 216Nos.-32 Nos.
=184Nos.

Assuming Heartwood formation per tree after 10 years =20Kg.

Total Heartwood formation per Acre After Less Mortality
= 20Kg x 184 Nos.
=3680 Kg.
Expected Sale Value After 10 years

=Rs. 1500 per kg x 3680 Kg

=Rs.55,20,000.00

(Expected Sale Value-Expenditure)

Rs. 55,20,000.00- Rs. 50,640.00

= 54,69,360.00

Expected Return

=Rs. 54, 69,360.00

Seeds of Sandalwood also salable per year Rs.1000/- per kg

After 3 years seeds are start coming.

Grown up sandalwood trees may be harvested after 10 years

Other sources of Income: By cultivating Patchouli, Stevia etc. as inter-crop with sandalwood
plants additional income may be obtained.

For Details Project report, Technical guidance and best verity planting materials please
contact : 09854093470

Stevia Cultivation Bank Project

To

The Bank Manager

Sir,

I / We here by apply for financial assistance for cultivation of STEVIA CULTIVATION

_________________________________.
We hereby declare that the information given herein and the statement enclosed
are to the best of our knowledge and belief, true and correct in all particulars and in
the event of any of the statement being found to be untrue, the facilities granted on
the basis of our assertion would be liable to be repaid forthwith interest and other
costs accrued thereof to the lender.

Yours faithfully

Application for financial assistance for Stevia cultivation

Project Report An outline

PART I

1.

2.

Introduction(PURPOSE)

Promoters: Promoters and their background, about their professional qualifications,

experience

3.

Overview of the entire project.

4.

Existing Status of the Unit: What is the existing activity, product line, area of market, etc.

5.

Manpower

6.

Infrastructure facilities: About the Equipment, Plant & Machinery, premises.

7.

8.

Clientele: About the clientele, present and prospective clients Countries to which
exports are planned Market potential, market arrangements, plans for promoting
exports, etc.

Financial/Technical

STEVIA
CULTIVATION
I. PURPOSE

Stevia is an incredibly sweet herb, obtained by a natural selective breeding

process of the sweetest Stevia parent plants. The sweetener, stevioside, extracted
from the plants, is 300 times sweeter than sugar. The fresh leaves have nice
liquorices taste.... The dried leaves of Stevia are about 40 times sweeter than
sugar.

Medicinal plants (STEVIA) cultivated extensively and also in great demand in the local as
well as foreign market. It is more beneficial, about four to five times, than traditional
farming. Central as well as State Govt. provides all the technical support and Subsidiaries for
its cultivation. __________________________________has an extensive experience in all aspects
of developing and maintaining marketing strategies to meet the objectives. Strong
understanding of market dynamics and requirements. For meeting the cultivation needs and
other short term requirements including those of subsidiary / allied activities and
consumption needs,. Requirement of expert services and advice on cropping
practices, technology dissemination, crop protection from pests and diseases,
market trends and prices of variouscrops in the market. For purchase of tractors,
power tillers, trailers, combine harvester, grain threHers, sprayers, dusters,
ploughs, drills, mechanical weeders or any other modern agricultural
machinery. Digging/ deepening of wells, construction of tanks, ponds, drilling of
bore wells, soil and water conservation waterHed development bundling land
reclamation, leveling of land, terracing, conversion of dry land into wet, irrigable
lands, fencing, construction of farm houses and other allied activities. Later on to
keep the produce in an approved go down or warehouse enabling to sell the produce for a
better price of a later date

II. PROMOTERS PROFILE

Project Details:

1.

Name of the Project: Stevia Plantation

2.

Land available : Purchase

3.

Land Type (Soil Type) : Sandy Soil

4.

Medicinal Cultivation at present : None

5.

Irrigation Facility available: Drip system and Bore well

6.

Technical tools:
I.

Tractor (HMT)

II.

Trolley

III.

Cultivators

IV.

Disk Harrows

V.

Land Leveller

Personal Details
1.

Firm Name:

2.

Directors Name :

3.

No. of employees :

4.

Company profile :

5.

DOF :

6.

PAN Number:

7.

ROC Number :

8.

Annual Income:

9.

Address:

10.

Ph no:

11.

Farm Address :
Other Activities:
i.

Herbal cultivation Promotion Trading

________________________ already taken no of trainings on Nursery

Management and cultivation of these crops organized by ORGANIC INNOVATION,
Beltola, Guwahati.
1.

Medicinal crops

2.

Horticulture crops
ii.

Technical/Economical Support

We always do favor of new Agricultural Technologies and try to adopt them.

Also produces Vermi Compost, Organic Manure and Neem Manure to promote organic
Farming b ay small unit of Vermi compost.. Benefits for promoting of Organic Farming are as
Follows:

1.

Safe for environment.

2.

Safe for Farmer.

3.

Less expensive in comparison of Pesticide application.

4.

Better quality product than pesticide application.

5.

No hazard for cultivated land.

6.

Organic manure can be prepared by himself at his own land.

7.

More beneficial for human health.

8.

Long life farming practices.

Experience: Agriculture Product and Machinery

_______________________ is very much interested to stabilize Agriculture processing
unit. For that purpose he has taken Management Training Organized by ORGANIC
INNOVATION, Beltola, Guwahati and also has studied a lot on these topics:
1.

How to decide plant capacity.

2.

Availability of Raw material.

3.

Required Equipments and Machinery.

4.

Man power required.

5.

Per day production capacity.

6.

Processing equipments supplier companies.

7.

Marketing of Produce.

Aware for Organic Farming and has applied these practices on her own farm.
Promoting organic farming in co-operation of ORGANIC INNOVATION, Beltola,
Guwahati at district level and aware about modified organic practices
1.

Interculture operations

2.

Intercropping Operation

We already constructed water harvesting structure to conserve water near by his

house. Also pursuingroof water harvesting.

III. OVERVIEW OF ENTIRE PROJECT

1

Crop to be cultivated: Stevia Rebaudiana

2.

Variety to be grown: Stevia Rebaudiana

3.

Suitable Land: land where water can flow without hurdle

4.

Sowing time: Whole year (for Irrigated land)

Rainy season (In irrigated land)

5.

Total Plantation time: 5 years

6.

Production products: Baby plant and Leave

STEVIA
INTRODUCTION
Stevia is an incredibly sweet herb, obtained by a natural selective breeding process of the
sweetest Stevia parent plants. The sweetener, stevioside, extracted from the plants, is 300
times sweeter than sugar. The fresh leaves have nice liquorices taste.
The documented properties of Stevia are antibacterial, anti fungal, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-viral, anti-yeast, cardio tonic, diuretic, hypoglycemic and hence a boon to
diabetic people, hypertensive, tonic, and vasodilator. Indeed, the leaves contain diterpene
glycosides with a sweet taste but which are not metabolized and contain no calories. The
biggest part of the sweet glycosides consists of the stevioside molecule.
Stevia Rebaudiana Bertoni (Bertoni) is a perennial herbaceous plant and is part of the
Asteraceae
family. This family includes well-known plants such as dandelion, sunflower and chicory. The
history of the culture of Stevia mainly stems from Paraguay and Brazil. Originally Stevia only
grew in the northern regions of South Americabut its cultivation has become popular
worldwide. They use it, amongst other things, to make "mate" herbal tea.

STEVIA FACTS
*****Glycosides in the leaves of the Stevia Rebaudiana plant,
(including up to 10% Stevioside), account for its incredible
sweetness
*****Stevia is often referred to as the "sweetest plant of the
world".
*****One acre of Stevia Rebaudiana cultivation would produce
sweetener equivalent to 36 Acres of Sugar Cane more so the
sweetness in Stevia Rebaudiana leaves is healthy and harmless
*****Stevia is 200-300 times sweeter than sugar
*****Stevia is safe and effective to use for cooking and baking.

NEED OF STEVIA CULTIVATION

Stevia would bring a dramatic impact as a weight loss and 'weight management
aid exceptionally.
Stevia possessing an anti-microbial property can be used in all the sweets, as it
does not enhance the growth of any bacteria in the teeth, unlike the sugar
Stevia usage in Bakery & Beverages has large potential. Instead of
sweeteners with known adverse side effects in the long run.
Stevia is a cash crop with low risk and assured tax free returns in a
period as short as 6 months. Scientific cultivation and careful selection of
planting material can yield very high returns for three years as compared
to traditional crops
Due to the increased awareness towards use of Herbal and
traditionally accepted medicinal plants, a very good market domestic&
international is coming up for the medicinal plants and Herbals.
Herbal plant is Stevia "Stevia Rebaudiana" or Stevia, a native
of Paraguay, which provides whopping Rs. 5 lakhs returns in a cycle of
three years per acre.
Stevia side has a few advantages over artificial sweeteners in that it is
stable at high temperatures(100.C)
The Stevia leaf contains

proteins

fibers

carbohydrates

iron

phosphorus

calcium

potassium

sodium

magnesium

zinc

rutin & vitamins A and C

***WHY STEVIA IS BETTER THAN SUGAR

COMPARISON: STEVIA / SUGAR

Per 2 Teaspoons of
Sugar

Stevia

Sugar

NutraSweet
(Aspartame)

Splenda
(Sucralose)

Sweet N Low
(Saccharin)

Natural vs. Artificial

Natural

Natural

Artificial

Artificial

Artificial

Calories

32

Net Grams

8g

1g

1g

1g

Gylcemic Index

70

DESCRIPTION
Its leaves are about 5 cm long and 2 cm wide and are planted crosswise, facing each other.
In the wild, the height of the plant varies from 40 to 80 cm but when cultivated, the Stevia
can become 1 meter high. Stevia can be grown on relatively poor soil. The plants can be
used for commercial production for 6 years, during which five times a year a harvest takes
place of the part of the plant that is above the ground. The roots remain in place and so the
plant regenerates again. Plants, which are 1 meter high, have a dry weight of 70 g on
average. The dry weight of the leaves can vary from 15 to 35 g per plant.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Stevia contains Stevioside, Rebaudioside A and the sweet compounds in the leaf called
glycosides

1. Sugarless
2. Contains no calories, no fat, no carbohydrates
3. Highly recommended for weight loss program
4. Contains natural trace elements (iron, mangan, calcium etc..)
5. Antibacterial effect if it impedes the growth of bacterias.
6. Anti fungus properties make it useful in treatment with yeast infections as natural
sweetener it is used in healthy diets, diabetes etc.

USES
Apart from uses as sweetener this wonderful herb has other medicinal virtues such as per
WHO findings.
Regulates blood pressure
Fights cavities
Induces pancreas to produce more insulin
Skin care
Flavor enhancer

 General Tonic

LAND PREPARATION
The land sites are plowed and or cultivated twice to prepare a fairly smooth, firm-planting
surface.1 to 2 ploughing has to be done after harrowing. Around 25 MT of FYM / acre has to
be applied as a basal dressing during the last ploughing to incorporate the manure with the
soil.

SOIL TYPE
Red Soil and sandy loam are best for the cultivation of Stevia with a 6-8 Ph

RAISED BED PREPARATIONS

Forming raised beds is the most economical way to grow Stevia. The raised bed should be
of 15 cm in height and 60 cm in width. The distance between two rows should be half feet.

With such spacing the plant population is around 40,000plants per acre

PLANTING
Depending on different climatic conditions Stevia is cultivable throughout the year except for
times when it is extremely hot or cold. Stevia plug plants are planted into the field on either
53 cm or 61 cm row spacing with a total plant density in the order of 100,000 plants per
hectare.

FERTILIZATION
The plant appears to have low nutrient requirements; however a soil test should be
conducted. The recommended dose of fertilizer is 110:45:45 NPK /Neem Organic Manure.
This requires 4 bags of urea, 2 bags of DAP and 2 bags of Potash / 8 bags of organic
Manure. The entire dose of DAP is applied as the basal dressing. The Nitrogen and Potash
fertilizer can be split and applied as TEN doses in every month. Nitrogen application is a
must for the production of dry mattes

IRRIGATION
Normally, the Stevia plant requires frequent, shallow irrigation. Generally, one applies
irrigation if the stem tips are drooping at least one time per week. Micro sprinkler is the

best method of irrigating Stevia plants. Flood or canal irrigation would not supply
the required amount of water at the right time. Micro sprinklers, can be used to
sprinkle the water once in a day in winter and 4 times in a day in summer or more
depending upon the heat and relative humidity in the air.

MAINTENANCE

Flowering of the plant should be avoided. Since Stevia has a significant apical dominance,
the plant tends to grow tall and lanky. Pinching of the apical bud would enhance busy growth
of the plant with side branches

ORGANIC APPLICATION & PLANT PROTECTION

There is no such pest and disease incidence in this crop. In case, any disease

symptoms are noticed, spraying of neem oil diluted in water is the best organic
method. For root grubs use castor oil mixed with cow manure and spray very little
near the plant. Neem oil spray 30ml is added to I liter of water and stirred well. To
this emulsifier is added (I ml / I liter). It is very essential to add the emulsifier and
mix properly. This should be used immediately before the oil droplets start 40
floating. Spraying should be undertaken in the morning or late in the evening.
During hot conditions the frequency of spraying should be more. In winter spraying
once in 10 days and in rainy season, every day spraying is recommended. Insects
lay eggs on the underside of the leaves. Hence it is important to spray on the
underside of the leaves as well. While using a powder sprayer reduce the quantity
of spraying to half.

WEED CONTROL
This crop requires hand hoeing and weeding.

PESTS
Insect pest pressures other than cutworm are minimal. Septoria disease can cause
considerable damage to the Stevia crop. Animals seem to like the sweet taste of Stevia, too.

HARVESTING
Time of harvesting depends on land variety and growing season. Generally it can be
scheduled when plants are 40-60 centimeters in height. Shorter days induce flowering.
Optimum yield (biomass) and stevioside quality and quantity is best just prior to flowering.
The plant will tolerate every low temperature

DRYING
Drying of the woody stems plus the soft green leaf material is completed immediately after
harvesting utilizing a drying wagon or a kiln. Depending on weather conditions and density
of loading, it generally takes 24 to 48 hours to dry Stevia at 40C to 50C.

THRESHING
Immediately following drying, a specially designed threHer/separator is necessary to separate
dry Stevia leaves from its stem. Stem and leaf portions tend to be equally represented at 3,000
kg/ha each.

IV. Existing Status of the Unit, Manpower and Future

Planning

Present sources, those we have required for stevia cultivation are given below
here:
1.

Availability of Best planting Material

2.

Availability of Best Irrigation sources

3.

Availability of Cultivated Land

4.

Availability of Best quality Organic pest control material

5.

Availability of Man Power

6.

Availability of Animal Power

7.

Availability of Farming Tools and Equipments for Plantation, Cultivation, Irrigation and
Harvesting.

8.

Availability of stevia market for selling produce

9.

Availability of Best consultancy service from ORGANIC INNOVATION, Beltola, Guwahati

V. Infrastructure facilities: About the Equipment, Plant &

Machinery, premises.

Firm has all the facilities required for Stevia cultivation

nd: cultivated land

or: as per requirement

anic manure for pest control: Neem manure, Vermi compost, FYM

ctor: Four wheel tractor

ock drawn/ Animal drawn

nting material

iculture equipments and tools:

ough

uddler

eveller

arrow

ultivator

olley

ther hand tools

ther power tools

VI - Available Market for his Stevia produce:

They have consultancy and guidance of ORGANIC INNOVATION, Beltola, Guwahati in

this regard and also has buy back agreement with them for produce. Number of buyers for
marketing is also available for selling raw product and manufactured products. Some name
of Companies is given here. .

1. Organic Innovation, Assam

14, Beltola, Bishnu Rabha Path, Guwahati-781028.
2. Pabanas Agro Products (P) Ltd.
P.O. Box No. 130, 5,
A.Y.T. Padasalai St., Sivakasi-626123
3. Shivam Herbal, C-I03, MIDC, Waluj,
Aurangabad-431 136.
4. Siri Agritech
Opp. Lane to Srinivasa Theatre, Markapur-523 316.
Prakasham Dist. Andhra Pradesh
5. .Shravula Biotech P\1. Ltd.
0-2-289/13, Shanthi Nagar, Hyderabad - 500 028.
6. Sudershan Herbal Plantations,
1-3-2, Kavadiguda. Hyderabad-500 080
7. Sudershan Herbal Plantations,
1-3-2, Kavadiguda. Hyderabad-500 080
8.Sunrise Agriland development & research Pvt.Ltd
Mahaveer Nagar II.Maharani Farm,Jaipur (Rajsathan)

BAKERIES, CONECTIONARIES,BEVERAGES AND HOTELS

Already had a discussion with the local bakeries and confectionaries who have
agreed to try out stevia as it is organic in nature and is a natural plant rather than
using chemically developed medicines. Some of the known brands in Assam are as
follows and targeted brands are listed below:

EXPORTS -

Stevia Market

A Perfect Storm Driving Market Demand

Driven by a near perfect storm of demand, the market for all natural, zero-calorie
stevia sweeteners is increasing dramatically. A leading stevia manufacturer has
predicted a global stevia products industry using Reb A could be valued at $10
billion in coming years. The World Health Organization (WHO) previously estimated
that stevia intake could eventually replace 20-30% of all dietary sweeteners. The
total global sweetener market was estimated at $58.3 billion in 2010.
Market drivers include:
Soaring rates of obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Increases in the rates of
these diseases are linked to high consumption of sugar and/or high-calorie
sweeteners, and are soaring worldwide.
Consumer demand for low and non-calorie, natural foods with clear
labelling. Consumers worldwide also remain concerned about artificial sweeteners
safety.
Governments facing rapidly rising health care goods. Governments
worldwide are developing policies and regulations to penalize unhealthy diets and
support healthy ones.
Michelles Obamas Lets Move initiative targets childhood obesity. In June 2009,
top US nutrition experts, health organizations, leading doctors and medical
academics joined forces to ask President Barack Obama to combat obesity by
creating a Presidential Commission on Healthy Weights, Healthy Lives to
coordinate the activities of the Departments of Health and Human Services, the
United States Department of Agriculture, and other agencies involved in food and
health, to create policies that promote health across the country.

Sugar prices recently hit 30-year highs. Rising demand for corn for biofuel has
been pushing up the price for sugars traditional lower-cost alternative, high
fructose corn syrup (HFCS).
The rapidly growing demand for stevia sweeteners is also in lockstep with a looming
shortfall in sugar supply. Driven largely by increasing demand in India and China,
the price of sugar price rose from about $0.10 per lb. to more than $0.60 per lb.
over the last 10 years. Global sugar consumption is forecast to rise by more than
50% to nearly 260 million tons by 2030. The World Health Organization (WHO) has
estimated that stevia could eventually replace 20%-30% of the global dietary
sweetener intake.

Stevias Popularity Spans the Globe

Food consultancy Zenith International reports that stevia products saw a 27%
increase in worldwide volume sales in 2010 over 2009, taking its overall market
value to US$285 million. From mid-2009 to mid-2010, new product launches using
stevia extracts increased by 200%, with products launched in 35 countries 237
new products in the first half of 2010 alone, according to market research firm
Mintels Global New Product Database (GNPD). Mintel values the natural sweetener
product market at US $763 million in 2010, with the stevia market alone at $670
million. A leading stevia manufacturer has projected that stevia will penetrate 20%
to 25% of the US$60 billion global sugar/ sweetener market.

Regulatory approval in the European Union (granted in November 2011) has set the
stage for stevia use to explode on the other side of the Atlantic in 2012 and beyond.
Asia Pacific, where the ingredient has been used as a sweetener in some regions for
decades, has the largest market share for stevia at 35.7%, followed by North
America (30%) and South America (24.3%).

COST OF CULTIVATION STEVIA FOR ONE ACER LAND

ESTIMATE COST OF DEVELOPMENT OF STEVIA

Year
Particulars

Ist

Cost of Planting
material(30000@3/plant

90000

Transportation cost

2000

Land preparation

5000

FYM application

5000

Gap filling ,planting

IInd

IIIrd

IVth

Vth

5000

5000

5000

5000

15000

15000

15000

15000

Irrigation

3000

3000

3000

3000

3000

Fertilizer and application

costs

4000

4000

4000

4000

4000

Weeding

4000

4000

4000

4000

4000

Harvesting

4000

4000

4000

4000

4000

Drying arrangements

1000

1000

1000

1000

1000

Drying and post harvest

3000

3000

3000

3000

3000

Supervisory charges

5000

5000

5000

5000

5000

Contingencies

2000

2000

2000

2000

2000

TOTAL COST

128000

46000

46000

46000

46000

INCOME
Value of Produce

2000 /
kg/yr acre

2400
kg /yr
/acre

2650/yr
/acre

2800/yr /
acre

2900/yr /acre

Total Amount(@150/Kg)

3000000

360000

397500

420000

435000

Net income

Posted by Pankaj Kalita

172000

314000

351500

374000

389000