I work in Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Barpeta and I am a post graduate in agricultural sciences. Given my professional background I have a natural inclination to delve into the medicinal and other scientific properties of plants in our natural surroundings. One day I realised that if I share my observations with a larger group of women (through the written word) it might benefit them enormously at various levels. For simple plants that are easily accessible can be harnessed for health benefits. Moreover, some enterprising women may even come up with entrepreneurial/business insights if they are adequately apprised about the inherent benefits of the ubiquitous plants around us.
Therefore I decided to pen some pertinent facts about the Cheni Tulsi or Mou Tulsi. Sighting a plant of Cheni Tulsi or Mou Tulsi around our surroundings can be very common. Scientifically named as Stevia rebaudiana, it is a sub tropical perennial plant, producing steviol glycosides in its leaves (this gives it a sweet taste and hence the local names). The plant prefers a well drained fertile soil having a pH of around 6-7 and a high organic matter content.
The plant has started getting commercialized as a natural sweetner and is fast becoming the best alternative source (of sugar) for diabetes patients. Apart from this, it has medicinal uses- it can prevent hypertension, be used in the treatment of skin disorders and also prevent tooth decay. Therefore it is evident that the plant has abundant potential for greater commercialization.
We can simply grow this plant by cutting stems and planting them in raised beds of 15cms height and 60cms width. We need to adhere to a spacing of 40cms between rows and 23cms between each plant. March to mid May proves to be the best time for growing this plant. However, it can be grown in any month of the year. Long day conditions help in increasing the stevioside content of the plant. Although the plant is not very prone to pests and diseases and is drought tolerant, a light irrigation at regular intervals and application of farm-yard-manure @ 50 t/ha and fertilizers, viz., nitrogen @60 kg/ha, phosphate@ 30 kg/ha and potassium @ 45 kg/ha are recommended in case of commercial cultivation. Harvesting can be done after the completion of four months from the date of planting it. It is recommended to cut the plants by leaving about 10 cms from the ground. Doing this will facilitate the emergence of new flushes for subsequent harvesting. Immediately after harvest, the plants are left for drying for 24-48hours. We can also use the fresh leaves for preparing tea directly or for making chutney with mint leaves. The dried ones can be powdered and stored in plastic lined cardboard boxes (having proper label) for further processing.
If one wishes one can also grow this plant on pots having lightweight growing mix and provide some commonly available materials like coconut husk, banana leaves, etc. Having a plant with medicinal properties has always been advantageous, be it in the concrete apartment balcony garden or a backyard kitchen garden.
By: Jyotirupa Kalita
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