Opinion Article
Manpriya Chopra
Abstract
In the era of 20th century, demand of food arises as the population is expanding. Moreover, the food with less calories is more preferred over the one rich in sugars as diabetes and obesity are becoming major problems for today’s generation. I noticed a newly born child suffering from diabetes, children of 5-year suffering from diabetes and doctor suggest his parents to give products of Stevia to him instead of sugar which came from sugarcane. So, to fulfill the demand of people products formed by Stevia leaves are used extensively. Stevia rebaudiana is a natural sweetener plant. It significantly contributes towards the human welfare as it provides solution for complex type 2 diabetes, obesity and hypoglycemics in humans. Due to its unique properties it is considered as boon to diabetics. Stevia is emerging as an alternative to sugarcane with more good qualities, properties. Leaves of Stevia are used as it contain low calories glycosides (Diterpenoids steviol), that is around 220-300 times much sweeter than sugarcane. The demand of Stevia is increasing day by day, but unluckily Stevia cultivation has to face many biotic and abiotic stress. The major challenge in the cultivation of Stevia crop is its poor competency with weeds. Weeds are massively present in Stevia field which affect the growth of the Stevia plants and also yield is suppressed. To overcome this problem mulching and herbicide treatment are given in the Stevia field to enhance the growth.