Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) is a perennial medicinal herb belonging to the family Asteraceae and is widely recognized as a natural, non-caloric sweetener due to the presence of steviol glycosides, particularly stevioside and rebaudioside A. These compounds are approximately 200–300 times sweeter than sucrose and have gained considerable importance in the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic industries. The increasing prevalence of diabetes, obesity, and other lifestyle-related disorders has significantly enhanced the global demand for stevia as a healthier alternative to conventional sugar. However, large-scale commercial cultivation is limited by poor seed viability, low germination rates, and the heterozygous nature of the species, making vegetative propagation and tissue culture essential for the rapid multiplication of elite planting material. Stevia thrives under well-drained fertile soils, moderate fertilizer application, optimum temperature, and appropriate irrigation management, which collectively contribute to improved leaf yield and quality. Beyond its sweetening properties, stevia possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antihyperglycemic, and antihypertensive activities, further expanding its commercial and medicinal value. The agro-climatic conditions prevailing in the Shevaroy Hills, including moderate temperature, fertile well-drained soils, and adequate moisture availability, are highly suitable for the successful cultivation of Stevia rebaudiana. This review highlights the botanical characteristics, cultivation practices, propagation methods, and diverse applications of Stevia rebaudiana, emphasizing its potential as a sustainable, high-value crop for supporting human health, agricultural diversification, and the growing natural sweetener industry.
Stevia rebaudiana, Steviol glycosides, Natural sweetener, Commercial cultivation, Shevaroy Hills
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