Stevia Cultivation — Maharashtra and Rajasthan

Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) leaves are 300× sweeter than sugar and zero-calorie, making it the most commercially significant natural sweetener for diabetic and diet food markets. India's stevia cultivation is concentrated in Maharashtra's Pune and Nashik districts and Rajasthan's Kota region. Plants are propagated by stem cutting, planted in rows 30cm apart, and harvested by cutting the aerial portion 3–4 times per year. Fresh leaves are dried to 10% moisture and sold to extraction companies (Natex, Roquette) for stevioside isolation. Yield: 2,000–3,500 kg dried leaves/acre/year. Ex-farm price ₹100–150/kg dry leaf. Contract farming from companies eliminates market risk. MSME Ministry promotes stevia as diversification crop for sugarcane farmers. India currently imports 70% of stevioside from China — domestic extraction is a strategic priority.