Odisha, India – Centurion University of Technology and Management (CUTM) has achieved a significant breakthrough in stevia cultivation with the development of a high-yield mutant variety named “Harihar Stevia.” This new variety boasts a higher proportion of Rebaudioside-A (7.44%) compared to Stevioside (5.64%), with a total glycoside content of 14.48% on a dry weight basis, offering a superior sweetness profile for commercial applications.
Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana), a natural sweetener known for its zero-calorie properties, is rapidly gaining popularity worldwide. It is projected that the global consumption of stevia as a food ingredient will reach 8,507 tonnes by 2025. Although Japan and Korea are the leading consumers, China remains the largest producer. With Centurion University’s efforts, stevia farming is now expanding in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, providing new economic opportunities for farmers.
Scientific Breakthrough & Technology Advancement
The successful development of Harihar Stevia was driven by the visionary leadership of Prof. D.N. Rao, Vice President, under the scientific expertise of Prof. S. Eswara Reddy, Prof. S.P. Nanda, and Dr. Vangapandu Thriveni. Dr. Thriveni has also pioneered a unique tissue culture protocol for stevia, ensuring a uniform and high-quality planting material supply. The CUTM tissue culture facility now offers elite planting material to farmers, under the responsibility of Prof. Anil Jonnalagadda.
Economic and Agricultural Impact
Stevia cultivation is emerging as a profitable venture. The plant thrives in sandy loam soil (pH 5.0-7.5) with tropical and subtropical climatic conditions. Under optimal conditions:
- First-year fresh biomass yield: 2.0-2.5 tonnes/ha (two harvests)
- Subsequent years yield: 4.0-4.5 tonnes/ha
- Dry leaf yield: 3.0-3.5 tonnes/ha/year
- Market price: Rs.150-175/kg
- Net return: Rs.2.0-2.7 lakhs/ha/year
- Higher profitability: 2.0-2.5 times more than traditional crops
With six patents secured on stevia research, Centurion University is setting new benchmarks in agriculture and biotechnological innovation.
Stevia’s Expanding Role in the Food and Health Industry
Stevia’s natural sweetness makes it a preferred alternative to sugar in various industries. It is extensively used in:
- Food & Beverages: Soft drinks, fruit juices, jams, desserts, chewing gum
- Health & Wellness: Diabetic diets, anti-obesity supplements, antioxidant-rich products
- Pharmaceuticals & Personal Care: Blood pressure control, anti-tooth decay, pill additives
Future Prospects and Farmer Benefits
With Centurion University’s interventions, stevia cultivation is now expanding to multiple acres, creating employment opportunities and enhancing rural economies in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. Farmers can procure quality tissue culture planting material from CUTM to ensure better productivity and profitability.
This landmark achievement marks a new era in sustainable agriculture and food innovation. With ongoing research and commercial expansion, Harihar Stevia is poised to revolutionize India’s stevia industry.
For further inquiries, contact:
Centurion University of Technology and Management
Email: info@cutm.ac.in
Website: www.cutm.ac.in
