Farmers Astonished: Stevia Leaves 25 Times Sweeter Than Sugar Yield 50-Acre Profit From Just 1 Acre

This week, the third large group of progressive farmers from Dantewada district visited the ‘Maa Danteshwari Herbal Farm and Research Center.’ This farm is notable as the country’s first internationally certified organic herbal farm, previously visited by former President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. It is renowned both nationally and internationally for the successful innovations of farmer-scientist Dr. Rajaram Tripathi in organic and herbal agriculture.

Prominent Role of Women

In keeping with the strong tradition of women’s involvement in Bastar’s farming practices, this group included 70% women.

Observations and Innovations

The farmers explored various crops, including black pepper (MDBP-16) cultivated on Australian teak trees and local Bastar trees like Mahua, Mango, Tamarind, Sal, Teak, and Khamar. They witnessed how planting black pepper on trees yields 50 acres of produce per acre of land. The group also examined crops of white musli, long pepper, turmeric, and Desi saffron (sinduri). Additionally, they were impressed by stevia leaves, which are 25 times sweeter than sugar with zero calories, developed under the guidance of CSIR-IHBT, Government of India.

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Organizing and Impact

The visit was organized by Anurag Kumar, Dasmati Netam, and Shankar Nag. Despite the farm attracting millions of visitors over the past 25-30 years, local farmers had not yet fully embraced the potential of organic, herbal, and spice farming. The recent visit by the Dantewada farmers, facilitated by the initiative of the Dantewada District Collector, signals a positive shift.

Dr. Tripathi’s Insights

Dr. Rajaram Tripathi emphasized that while entrepreneurial innovators can create successful models through experimentation and practice, only government efforts can ensure widespread adoption. He commended the efforts of the Dantewada and Kondagaon District Collectors, the district administration, the Department of Agriculture and Horticulture, and KVK for their significant contributions to making this initiative successful. He highlighted the vast agricultural potential of the Dandakaranya plateau in Bastar and urged for a positive, forward-looking approach.

Commitment to Sustainable Development

The ‘Maa Danteshwari Herbal Group’ has dedicated itself to the integrated sustainable development of farmers for the past three decades and remains committed to this mission.