Introduction of Aloe Vera: – Aloe Vera is a very hardy perennial tropical plant that can be cultivated in drought areas as well. This plant became very popular in the world due to its medicinal value. This plant also called as “miracle plant”
(or) “nature’s tonic”. This plant is native to Africa & Mediterranean regions. Aloe Vera belongs to the family of “Liliaceae”. Africa, China, U.S.A., Australia, Mexico, tropical regions of Latin American countries and coastal area of south India are the major producers of Aloe Vera in the world. This plant is being used extensively in cosmetic industry and consumer product segment.
Health Benefits of Aloe Vera: – Below are the some of the health benefits and medicinal values of Aloe Vera.
• Aloe Vera is a anti-biotic, anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, disinfectant, anti-biotic, anti-septic, germicidal, anti-fungal and anti-viral.
• Aloe Vera is excellent for the skin treatments/cosmetic use.
• Aloe Vera is extensively used in treatment of urine related problems, ulcers and pimples.
• Aloe Vera Is good source of vitamins and minerals.
• Aloe Vera is high in amino acids and fatty acids.
• Aloe Vera is a well-known adaptogen.
• Aloe Vera helps with digestion.
• Aloe Vera helps in detoxification process.
• Aloe Vera is heart healthy.
• Aloe Vera helps in boosting the Immune system
Major Producers of Aloe Vera in India:- Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Kerala are major producers of this crop.
Aloe Vera Local Names in India:- Musambar, Ghikanwar (Hindi), Korphad (Marathi), Kalabandha (Telugu), Chirukattalai (Tamil), Lolisara (Kannada), Kattawazha (Malayalam), Kumari (Sanskrit), Ghrithakumari (Bengali), Kunwar (Gujarathi), Kumari, Mushabora (Oriya).
Improved Commercial Varieties of Aloe Vera in India:- Aloe barbedensis, perfoliata,A. chinensis,A. littoralis,A indica,A. abyssinica,A. vulgaris, AL-1, IC111269, IC111271 and IC111280.
Climate Required for Aloe Vera Farming:- Basically Aloe Vera is a warm tropical crop. Aloe Vera can grow in various climatic conditions. This can be successfully grown in low rainfall regions and dry areas with warm humid conditions. This plant is very sensitive to extreme cold conditions. This plant thrives best on dry sandy soils in the regions where lower rainfall is expected. This plant cannot tolerate frost and cool climatic conditions.
Soil Requirement for Aloe Vera Farming:- Aloe Vera can be cultivated on wide variety of soils from sandy soils to loamy soils. However, it thrives best in light soils. As this plant is sensitive to water stagnation, make sure to select the well drained soils for its cultivation. This plant can tolerate soils with high pH range up to 8.5. Aloe Vera growth would be faster in black cotton soils with good drainage. This plant also thrives best with higher foliage. This plant also tolerates soils with salty in nature.
Propagation and Planting Method in Aloe Vera Farming:- In Aloe Vera farming, propagation is done through root suckers / rhizome cuttings. In Aloe Vera farming, propagation is done through root suckers / rhizome cuttings. In case of root sucker propagation, select medium size root suckers and should carefully dig without damaging mother plant at the base. This can be directly planted in the main land. In case of rhizome cutting propagation, after harvesting the crop, dig out the underground rhizome and make about 6 cm length cuttings with two to three nodes on them. Place these on prepared sand beds. Once sprouts are popping up, transplant these into main field. Usually about 15000 suckers are required for 1 acre of nursery.
Land Preparation in Aloe Vera Farming:– Land should be ploughed and cross ploughed thoroughly to bring the soil to the fine tilth stage. To increase the soil fertility, add about 15 to 20 tonnes of well rotten farm yard manure during the last plough. Form ridges and furrows @ 40 cm apart. The suckers should be planted @ 40 cm distance.
Planting Density and Spacing in Aloe Vera Farming:– To accommodate about 50,000 to 55000 plants per hectare, spacing between plants should be 40 x 45 cm (or) 60 x 30 cm maintained.
Irrigation in Aloe Vera Farming:- Aloe Vera crop can be grown both under rainfed and irrigated conditions. Irrigation should be carried out immediately after planting the suckers. Couple of irrigations in hot summer weather will result in good yield. In rainy season, avoid water logging in the field as this crop is sensitive to water stagnation.
Weed Control/Inter Cultural Operations in Aloe Vera Farming:- As part of inter cultural operations in Aloe Vera farming, earthing up should be carried. Weeding should be done @ regular intervals.
Manures and Fertilizers in Aloe Vera Farming:- As part of the land preparation, apply 15 to 20 tonnes/ha of well rotten farm yard manure (FYM).Thereafter the same dose of farm yard manure should be applied every year. As basal dose, fertilizers like NPK in the ratio of 50:50:50 kg per hectare should be applied.
Pests and Diseases in Aloe Vera Farming:- Aloe rust, basal stem rot and bacterial soft rot are the common pests and diseases found in Aloe Vera farming. For control measures, contact your nearest agriculture department.
Harvesting Tasks in Aloe Vera Farming:- Aloe Vera crop will become ready for harvesting from second year after planting. Fresh leaves of 3 or 4 can be picked. Picking up leaves should be done during morning or evening times. Three harvests can be carried in one year time. This crop is a labour intensive crop. After harvesting leaves, again they re-generate up to 5 years after planting. Not only leaves, side suckers can be harvested for using in planting material.
Post Harvesting Tasks in Aloe Vera Farming:- After harvesting the fresh leaves, care should be taken for drying the leaves. Usually harvest crop is allowed to loose the moisture in the field itself before transporting. To prevent any mould growth, leaves should be kept dry and cool. Use of concrete floor is useful in stacking or storing them.
Economic Life of Aloe Vera: – Commercial yield of Aloe Vera can be obtained from second to fifth year. Thereafter, field should be re-planted.
Yield of Aloe Vera:- An average yield of 40 to 45 tonnes of thick leaves can be obtained per 1 hectare land cultivation.
Marketing of Aloe Vera:- Marketing should be done through pharma and herbal companies. These plants have excellent demand in international markets as well due to its medicinal value and aroma.
Bottom Line of Aloe Vera Farming:- Excellent plant for cultivation in the dry and regions with less annual rainfall and once planted, it gives the yield for 5 years. Due to it’s international demand, this crop can turn into gold with good crop management practices.
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