STEVIA GROWING IN KENYA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IVSB40PHGo

 

Stevia and its cultivation. pure circle have been certified by NEMA to do Stevia in 9 counties namely; Kericho, Nakuru, Laikipia, Meru, Narok, Nandi Uasin Gishu and Bungoma. We are contracting farmers who are only doing in the counties as listed. Below is some info on Stevia.

   Taxonomic Classification:
   Order             Asterales
   Family            Asteraceae  (Compositae)
   Sub-family     Asteroideae
   Tribe              Eupatorieae
   Genus            Stevia
   Species          rebaudiana

Morphology:

Stevia is an erect growing plant and in Kenya it can grow up to 75 cm tall before it start flowering. The leaves are green, developed in pairs measuring up to 3cm wide and up to 7 cm long. For the flowering variety the flowers are white measuring between 8 and 15 mm in diameter and formed at the tip of the growing shoots. The mature seeds are black and very small (0.5 to 1.0 g/1000 seeds). It has shallow but vigorous root systems.

Geographical distribution:

Stevia plant is native to Paraguay. Globally Stevia is grown commercially in China, Paraguay, Kenya, Brazil, USA, Japan, Korea and Thailand.

In Kenya Stevia is commercially grown in the following counties; Kericho, Bomet and Nakuru. In June 2012 the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) gave approval for commercial production of Stevia in Nandi, Uasin Gishu, Bungoma, Narok, Laikipia and Meru.
Commercial value:
Stevia plant is grown for its leaves which contain Total Steviol Glycosides (TSG)
Yield:
Stevia in Kenya yields up to 10 t/ha. This is attained by the farmer having a full stand of Stevia plants in the farm of whatever acreage. The full stand is attainable if the farmer continuously infill after every harvest. The farmer is required to have a Stevia nursery and make the compost or farm yard manure from materials within the farm and adhere to the fertilization regime of Stevia.

Growth Conditions:

1. Optimal temperature :100c and 300c.
2.  Rainfall:1,000mm to 2,000mm per annum
3. Nutrients: Organic manure & inorganic fertilizer.
4.  Soil type: loam, sandy loam and clay loam soils high organic matter
5. Soil pH of 5.5 to 6.5.
6. Moisture: Consistent water supply.

Why Stevia ?

1. 100% natural with a high intensity sweetness up to 400 times that of sugar
2.  Taste profile compatible with sugar
3.     Healthy alternative to artificial sweeteners
4.     No calorific content and zero carbohydrate
5.    Low glycemic index: suitable for consumption by diabetics and solution to obesity problem
6.   Highly stable at extreme temperatures : stable   in cooking, baking and freezing

STEVIA IS AN ALTERNATIVE CASH CROP WHICH IS EASY TO CULTIVATE IN A SMALL PARCEL OF LAND AND HAS A GOOD RETURN.

1. READY MARKET-BUY BACK GUARANTEE
2. GREAT FIXED PRICE
3. GOOD GROSS MARGIN
4. FREE TECHNICAL SUPPORT
5. PESTICIDE/CHEMICAL FREE
6. GOOD PAYMENT TERMS
7. FUND SUPPORT THROUGH BANKS

AVERAGE MINIMUM RETURNS FROM STEVIA PER YEAR

(4 YEARS CROP CYCLE IN 1 ACRE) 

·         OPERATIONAL COST:   77,000 KSH
·         YIELD: 2.40 MT/ ACRE/YEAR
·         PRICE PER KILO: 105 KSH/ KILO DRY LEAVES
·         INCOME:     280,000 KSH
·         GROSS RETURN: 70,000 KSH


KEY POINTS TO GET HIGHER YIELD FROM STEVIA

1. MAINTAIN 100% CROP STAND
2. KEEP THE STEVIA FIELD WEED FREE ALL  
3. THE TIME
4.  FOLLOW THE RIGHT FERTILIZER REGIME
5.   HARVEST THE CROP AT RIGHT TIME
6. USE CORRECT AND SHARP PRUNING  
7. SHEARS FOR HARVESTING 
8.  DRY THE LEAVES IN DRYING SHADE

WATCH THIS INFORMATIVE VIDEO
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IVSB40PHGo

CALL US FOR MORE INFORMATION +254729379092 OR steviakenya@yahoo.com