Organic Aloevera Plant Cultivation

Aloe Vera is an evergreen perennial succulent species, Originated from Arabian Peninsula. More than 500 species are known out of which only few are known for commercial used. Most beneficial varieties are Aloe barbadensis miller and Aloe indica royle.

Chemical composition and its uses

Aloe indica royle

Clumping suckering succulent with short stem leading to compact stiff rosettes composed of 8-10 inches with the width of 2 inches spotless dark green leaves. Its pulps are sweet in taste therefore mostly used in processing healthy food products like juice, candyetc.

Aloe barbadensis miller

Consist of thick fleshy light green, white spotted leaves that grow up to 18 inches in length and 2-3 inches in width at the base with sharp spikes at the edges. It is used mostly for cosmetic products and pharmaceutical products.

Cultivation

Soil and climate: Basically, it is a warm tropical crop grown in various climatic condition but need protection from frost. It is a very low maintenance plant and can be successfully grown in low rainfall region. It can adapt in a wide range of soils but best suited in well drained sandy loam with the pH not exceeding 8.5. Commercial cultivation can be done in the region25-40°C.
Land preparation: Field is thoroughly ploughed and cross ploughed to bring the soil to the fine tilth stage and beds of 10-12 inch raised bed are prepared.
Propagation: Propagated through suckers of 6-9 inches or sometimes by cutting a new growth. Germination takes place after 45 days of planting.
Plantation:Suckers are planted with the spacing of 24x24 inches Planting can be done all year round; summer plantation thrives for more water.

Harvesting and Yield

Aloe leaves can be harvested by using sharp shears. Leaving aside three leaves the rest are harvested. Commercial Aloe productions produce upto 5 years. The first production starts after 12 months of planting and yield 3 kg/ plant (approx.) followed by the next production after 6 months or 12 months depending upon availability of water. Each plant yield 5 kg (approx.) leaves on 2 nd yield onwards.
Marketing: Aloe is among the few medicinal plants having both medicinal and cosmetic uses and thus, has an extensive market across the globe.