Aloe Vera Cultivation — Rajasthan

Rajasthan is India's largest aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) producing state, accounting for 60% of national output. The succulent thrives in Rajasthan's arid soil with minimal irrigation — a drought-tolerant cash crop for semi-arid Bhilwara, Jodhpur, and Nagaur districts. Leaves are harvested at 3-year maturity, cut at base, and sliced for gel extraction. The gel contains acemannan polysaccharide with documented wound healing and immune-modulating properties. Processing: wash leaves, peel off green rind, scoop transparent gel, pasteurise, and concentrate. End products include stabilised gel for cosmetics, aloe juice for FMCG, and dehydrated powder for pharma. Companies like Patanjali, Dabur, and Marico source Rajasthan aloe. Organic certification commands 30% premium. Contract farming is standard — companies provide planting material, buy back at ₹3–6/kg leaf. Government Rajasthan Rajya Beej Nigam supports certified variety distribution.