Presentation on Production of Stevia in

Bangladesh at Cluster level

Presented toNJLIP

World Bank

Welcome

Presentation for Concept and Options of Production,

Processing and Marketing of Stevia in Bangladesh at Village level by NGO’s to Cluster

level to scale to Industry level.

ABOUT US1. Ms. Mahina Arefin She is a Social Entrepreneur having exposure more that 10 years in various

field and various countries. She has a niche and soft heart on innovation for livelihood of poor women. She is the first who could identify the potential and commercialization of of Stevia and Stevia from Bangladesh.

2. Mr. Sheikh Razif Ahmed

He is an international trader having experience of 25 years mainly in Chinese market .He has commendable adoptability due to his exposure in country like China. a strong clutch on Stevia’s growing market in China and Eastern Asia is his focused specialization

3. Mr. Sunil K. Sonee He is an International Entrepreneur of core level having experience in aromatic essential oil and many other product in various countries for more than 30 years. He has practical experience and net work in Horticulture and Stevia crystal production ,Stevia leaves production , Stevia oil and crystal export and processing units.

4. Ms. Sanjida Kaium Is a social Entrepreneur and Development worker of National level having experience in the field of program development , management, communication and capacity building for more than 15 years

Why NJLIP?• The Project Development Objective (PDO) is to improve the livelihoods of

extreme poor communities and to strengthen the community institutions and Stevia processing has all the potentialities to play a successful part in this program by:

• Empowering women through capacity development on Stevia processing: Stevia is a global food item having demand all over the world. Through

developing the skill of the community women on Stevia leaf processing the women will get a standard income that will empower them financially. According to researches financial empowerment is the key factor in taking part in making decisions

• Ensuring day to day income all through the year: Stevia leaf has got demand allover the world throughout the year, it can be

imported, processed and exported all through the year. As a result the women will be able to work all around the world and earn money

Why NJLIP?• Ensuring sustainable development in aspect of livelihood: Once the women are trained on Stevia leaf processing they can

work all through their life by themselves as it has a global demand around the year

• Developing women entrepreneur : Through Stevia processing each of the processor may become the

owner of processing machine that results a home based factories. Ultimately the women are becoming entrepreneur

Through Individual development Stevia leaf processing will successfully develop a group that may really take active part in decision making for developing a healthy and wealthy village that will lead to a healthy and wealthy nation.

Flow chart of Steps for NJLIP

1st option

Colour code: Step – 1 : Step – 2: Step – 3: Step – 4:

Colour code: Step – 1 : Step – 2: Step – 3: Step – 4:

2nd option to be triggered on failure of 1st option

Colour code: Step – 1 : Step – 2: Step – 3: Step – 4:

Why leader?

• If a leader get involved in NJLIP Stevia project:• The leader will become more popular amongst

his/her followers• The poverty of his/her area will be eradicated• The livelihood of his/her people will be developed• Children of his/her area will live a healthy life• He/she will become a role model for others• He/she will be able to create a sustainable positive

impact to his/her followers mind

Why Government?

NJLIP with Stevia project is most applicable project for the government as:• It provides a time bound result• It is so well - planned to bring successful result• It brings equal profit by means of time , money

and national development• It ensures financial solvency• it has business popularity in developed countries

Why Social Entrepreneur?The NJLIP Stevia project strongly refers the role of social entrepreneur because this project:

• The social entrepreneur will be successful in creating societal leadership this is• Creating a sense of shared commitment and co-ownership by embedding the social objective within the hearts of

relevant social actors.

• social entrepreneurs are able to foster active citizen involvement and positively impact the rate and reach of their social vision.

• He/she will be able to take part in Business management: translating vision into action as a leader who is able to constantly realign strategic choices made at the commercial level with the organization’s social vision, while effectively utilizing its social capital to this end. The total budget for.

• He/she will be able to develop Personal leadership: self-awareness and self-development through driving forward the social objective, advocate the cause, with a people’s approach to doing business whilst simultaneously achieving and preserving financial sustainability.

• A major part of NJLIP covers advocacy: a social entrepreneur can bring a complete success through advocating for the right livelihood for the right cluster

• He/she will be able to develop a group of entrepreneurs to have a sustainable positive impact to the financial development of the society

Why media?• Now a days media plays a vital role in every development

activities. In NJLIP Stevia project media may have:• a great opportunity for news coverage• Scope to develop success stories of a developed

Bangladesh• Increase the popularity of their channels/publications• A great chance to prove themselves as the friend of

common people • An opportunity to become social leaders

Why Celebrities?

• In the NJLIP Stevia project celebrities will find every option to be :

• More popular to the common people• A hero/heroine of real life• An example of real leaders• An entrepreneur and a leader

Why Advocates?

Through the Stevia project in NJLIP an advocate may:• Have opportunity to have a strong reputation

on common people• Will create a positive image• Will have a great chance to advocate for the

poor people• Will develop a strong working network

Why NGOs?

• NJLIP Stevia project fulfills all the aspects for NGOs to consider this as a successful on because:

• It is self sustainable• Funds revolves automatically• Ensures 100% implementation of funds• Organization gets benefitted• It is Well- planned to manage• Provides global network

WHY BANGLADESH?• Stevia is exported to Developed Nations, where Bangladesh already

exports Garment. Addition of Stevia will result as a Brand Value due to exposure in two main components as food additive and clothing.

• The raw material of Stevia is procured from farmers.• The processing of Stevia involves lot of Manpower which is easy

and economical in Bangladesh.• Electricity and Power required in the Processing can be obtained

through Solar Energy which will lead to development of Bangladesh as a whole, and moreover make the whole Project as a Green Project

• In many countries World-wide it is worth billion dollar and very similar to garment industry.

OUR ROLE

• Empowering Women and Youths• Skill Development Training Centre• Technical know-how • Marketing • Buying• Selling• Market Acquisition• Optimization of Funds• Land acquisition and plantation on Global level

1. Our Objective is to utilize Stevia production in Bangladesh, which remained unutilized up to recently.

2. Our objective is to bring Stevia Project in existence so as to :

a) Provide employment to un-skilled, semi-skilled and skilled labor force in Bangladesh

c) Earn foreign exchange for the country.

3. Develop exchange trade or barter trade to boost the supply chain substantially with right vision.

OUR OBJECTIVES

SCALABLE AND SELF-SUSTAINANENCE

With extensive commercialization scope that the product offers, the benefit is not restricted to Rural Farmers.

Many Small & Medium Enterprises can be developed which may buy the raw material from Farmers process it and make it saleable.

Self Help Groups can setup their own Plants with appropriate fundings from NJLIP, thus providing employment opportunity along with rotation of funds of the NJLIP.

Export Oriented Units will be born too.

STRENGTHENING OF VILLAGES

The direct export benefit is foreign exchange flow in the Villages.

The economic and financial aspect of the Village improves with every export activity conducted.

It brings in recognition to the Village of Bangladesh and strengthens its position.

INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENT

Bangladesh can enter into beneficial Cross-Border Trade with other Countries.

The process of Loading, Unloading, Aggregation of Stevia in Containers will not only provide employment but also help in expansion of Custom Ports of the Countries.

Stevia can be planted as small shrubs alongside cashew trees, mango trees, etc.

WOMEN EMPOWERMENTBeing Labour-Intensive Process of Stevia, it provides

Employment Opportunity to the Rural Poor who can do these processes by forming groups.

It provides employment opportunities to the unemployed Rural Youth.

Empowers women as they can also get employment opportunities in the processes of Plucking etc.

Ultimately, improving Livelihood of the poor. This job does not need any school qualification.

Possible Means of Finance and Funding

1. Equity funding by Angel and other investor.2. Scheme funding from World Bank such as : A) Nuton Jibon Livelihood Improvement

Project3) Funds can be sought from NGO and Social

development foundations too.4) Crowd Funding5)Buy back based funding from market .

INVESTOR ROLE

• Investor can join as – Joint Venture Company with his Own or Proxy

Ownership– He can sign a MOU as Investing Partner– He can be an Investor on Fixed Return– He can Invest with pre-planned Exit Plan.– He can Invest with Pre-Planned Inclusion Plan

SOURCE OF RETURN

• Interest and Structure Financing• Trading Profit at Procurement Level• Profit on High Seas and International Sale• Profit from Migration and Skill Development• Profit from Processing• Profit from Local Sale and Export• Profit from Branding• Profit from Rural Real Estate Development

OPTIMUM INVESTMENT

It is estimated that about BD taka Twenty million will be required which will include

Land,Building,OfficesPlant and machineryRecurring expensesWorking capitalStock of raw and finished product

LAND PREPARATION

Land should be plowed initially with a disc plow or harrowed to break down the clods. Fine tilth is required. Plowing has to be done one or two times after harrowing. Often raised beds are formed at this time. The width of the bed will depend upon the type and size of equipment available. Some operations may have a bed with a single row of plants while others may use a bed with 3 staggered rows.

SOIL TYPE

• Stevia requires very good drainage. Any soils that retain moisture for very long periods of time are unsuitable for Stevia cultivation and should be religiously avoided. Similarly black soils with very heavy clay content should also be avoided. It is mandatory that before planting, each and every soil sample should be properly tested and analyzed by an expert. A sandy loam soil with a 6-7 pH is best for the cultivation of Stevia.

Raised Bed Preparation

• Forming raised beds is the most economical way to grow Stevia. The raised bed should be of 4 to 6 inches in height and 12 inches in width, with 12 inches between plants. The raised beds are often covered with black plastic and the Stevia is planted through it. This would give a plant population of around 30,000 per acre.

Planting

• Stevia can be planted in many ways. The types of agronomic practices generally depend on type of soil and climate conditions. Generally it is advisable to plant a minimum of 30,000 plants per acre. There are basically two types of planting material recommended: tissue culture and stem cuttings. Tissue culture is the best option, stem cuttings tending to be more expensive in very large operations.

Plant Varieties

• There have been many selections of Stevia rebaudiana developed all around the world. Basically all these selections have been developed for different climatic requirements. At the end of the day it is the stevioside and rebaudioside content in the Stevia leaves that determine the price and marketability of Stevia leaves. Hence it becomes imperative that the grower selects proper varieties from the planting material suppliers.

Irrigation• Stevia requires ample supply of good water all year

around. As the plant cannot tolerate drought, frequent irrigation is required. Micro drippers are the best means of providing plants with the required amount of water at the right time, allowing the water to be sprinkled once a day in winter and two to four times in a day in summer depending upon the heat and relative humidity in the air. Watering frequency should be scheduled so that the plants do no wilt for want of water yet are never waterlogged. Irrigation pipe with drippers is best installed under the black plastic mulch.

Plant Protection

• Organic gardeners in particular should find Stevia an ideal addition to their crops. Though nontoxic, Stevia plants have been found to have insect-repelling tendencies. Their very sweetness, in fact, may be a kind of natural defense mechanism against aphids and other bugs that find it not to their taste. Perhaps that is why crop devouring grasshoppers have been reported to bypass Stevia under cultivation. In case any disease symptoms are noticed, spraying of agricultural oil diluted in water is the best organic method.

Fertilisation and Weeding

• The recommended dose of fertilizer is 10:10:10 NPK.

• Removal of weeds can be done manually, since the crop is grown in raised beds. If black plastic mulch is used weeding will be minimal.

Maintenance• Stevia plants do best in a rich, loamy soil, the same kind in which common

garden-variety plants thrive. Since the feeder roots tend to be quite near the surface, it is good idea to add compost for extra nutrients if the soil in your area is sandy. Besides being sensitive to cold during their development stage, the roots can be also be adversely affected by excessive levels of moisture. So take care not to over-water them and to make sure the soil in which they are planted drains easily and isn’t soggy or subject to flooding. Frequent light watering is recommended during the summer months. Adding a layer of compost or black plastic mulch around each Stevia plant will help keep the shallow feeder roots from drying out. Stevia plants respond well to fertilizers with lower nitrogen content than the phosphoric acid or potash content. Most organic fertilizers would work well since they release nitrogen slowly. Since Stevia has a significant apical dominance, the plant tends to grow tall and lanky. Pinching of the terminal bud can enhance bushy growth of the plant with side branches.

Harvesting• Depending on climate conditions one can achieve yields of 6 to 8 tons per acre in

harvests annually. Another important aspect of harvesting is timing. The best quality Stevia leaf is the one that is harvested in the fall just before the blossoms open. It should be noted that Stevia leaves should not be harvested after flowering since the stevioside percentage goes down rapidly and leaves are rendered unmarketable. It is normal for the plants to flower in the fall during the short days. Leaves are harvested by plucking in small quantity or the entire plant with the side branches is cut leaving four to six inches from the base. The first harvesting can be done four to five months after planting. Subsequent harvesting can be done every three months, for three consecutive years. The sweetener in the leaf is at maximum levels just before the plant flowers. Just before flowering, the plant should be cut completely leaving 4 inches from the ground. The new flush of leaves will sprout from there, with the new plant ready for harvest again in three months. The plant yields around six tons of dried leaves per acre every year. Harvesting should be done as late as possible, since cool autumn temperatures and shorter days tend to intensify the sweetness of the plants as they evolve into a reproductive state.

USES• Fresh Stevia leaves• This form of Stevia is the herb in its most natural, unrefined state. A leaf picked from a Stevia plant and chewed will

impart a sweet taste, a dried leaf will taste much sweeter. For Stevia to have a more practical application as a tea or sweetener, the leaves must be dried or put through an extraction process, which makes the sweet taste even more potent.

• Dried leaves• For more of the flavor and sweet constituents of the Stevia leaf to be released, drying and crushing is necessary. A

dried leaf is considerably sweetener than a fresh one, and is the form of Stevia used in brewing herbal tea or in cooking.

• Stevia Extracts• The form in which Stevia is primarily used as a sweetener in Japan is that of a white powdered extract. In this form

it is approximately 200 to 300 times sweeter than sugar (by weight). This white powder is an extract of the sweet glycosides (natural sweetening agents) in the Stevia leaf. Not all Stevia extract powders are the same. The taste, sweetness and cost of the various white Stevia powders will likely depend on their degree of refinement and the quality of the Stevia plant used. Since extracted Stevia powder is so intensely sweet, it is always recommend that it be used by the pinch or drop if diluted in water. Once mixed, this solution should be stored in the refrigerator.

• Liquid concentrates• These come in several forms. There is a black syrup liquid that is the result of boiling the leaves in water. This was

used as a face mask or for skin healing. Steeping Stevia leaves in distilled water or a mix of water and grain alcohol makes another type of liquid sweetener.

Extraction

The extraction of steviol glycosides from Stevia

leaves and its purification involves several steps. The major steps are (1) Primary extraction with water or solvent, (2) Purification of the liquid extract, (3) Separation of solid glycosides from purified liquid extract, (4) Solvent recovery and (5) Further purification of the solid glycosides.

PRIMARY EXTRACTION

In the extraction process the first step involves extraction of dried leaves with a liquid extractant. The most common extractants are water, primary and secondary alcohols. Sometimes, uncommon solvents like dioxane is also used. Dried leaves are often pre-treated with organic non-polar solvents like chloroform, ethylene chloride or hexane to remove fats and waxes from the leaves. Then, glycosides are extracted from the defatted leaves.

Separation of Solid Steviol Glycosides

• The primary extract is then clarified either by flocculation or electro-coagulation. For purification by flocculation, the extract is treated with flocculants like Calcium hydroxide, Aluminum hydroxide, Alum, Calcium carbonate, Ferric chloride etc. This flocculants precipitates the gummy and resinous polysaccharides, proteins and plant pigments.

ION EXCHANGE PURIFICATION• The clarified liquid extract is then passed through a column

filled with weekly polar macro-porous synthetic resin granules. The resin absorbs steviol glycosides from the extract and the glycosides are stored within the resin. The spent extract, devoid of steviol glycosides comes out from the resin columns.

• • Then the adsorbed steviol glycoside is washed out from the

resin column with alcohol – generally ethanol. Pure alcohol is fed to the column and alcohol with steviol glycoside dissolved into it comes out. Along with steviol glycoside, the alcohol is also carries plant pigments, and salts as impurities.

Solvent Extraction• In this method, the clarified water extract is mixed with a water immiscible

organic solvent and agitated vigorously. The solvent has higher affinity towards steviol glycosides than water and it absorbs the glycosides from the water extract.

• • After the mixing, the solvent-water extract mixture is allowed to stand for

some time. On standing the solvent and water layer separates. The water layer, which is now devoid of any steviol glycosides, is sent to effluent treatment plant. The solvent layer is then treated with activated carbon to decolorize it and filtered to separate suspended activated carbon particles.

• • Then the decolorized solvent is concentrated by evaporation under vacuum

and solvent is recovered for recycling. Steviol glycosides start crystallizing out from the solvent after it gets concentrated to a certain level.

Purification of Rebaudioside A

• The next and final step of steviol glycoside purification process is the seperation and purification of Reb A.

• • The solid glycoside mix (TSG) is dissolved in a specific hot water alcohol

mixture under refluxing condition and then cooled to crystallize Reb A crystalls. The dissolution and crustallization is done in the same jacketted vessel provided with a motorized stirrer. During the dissolution process the mixture is heated by passing steam through the jacket of the vessel. Then, for crystallization, the solution is cooled by passing cold water through the jacket.

• • The crystallized Reb A can be seperated from the mother liquor by

basket centrifuge and dried in vacuum tray dryers.

FIXED COSTS.No.

ITEM AMOUNT in Rs.

1. Land Preparation 5400

2. Irrigation 25000

3. Planting Material 225000

4. Planting 3200

TOTAL 258600

WORKING EXPENSESS.No. ITEM AMOUNT in Rs.

1. Manures 15000

2. Labor charges 14000

3. Chemical Fertilizer 4000

4. Insecticide/Pesticide 4000

5. Fuel Charges 15200

6. Watchman 24000

7. Yearly Installment 135000

8. Depreciation 5000

9. Others 11500

10. Land Revenue 15000

TOTAL 242700