Aloe vera derives its name from arabic word “Alloeh“ which means shining bitter substance. The inner part of the leaf which contains gel and latex is used for preparing various medicines.
Aloe vera contains Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, folic acid and niacine. Medicines prepared from Aloe vera used for burns and sunburn, as well as a variety of skin diseases like eczema, pruritus, psoriasis, acne. It is stemless plant with average height of 24cm-39cm having thick and fleshy leaves. Seedlings are mainly raised from roots of the plants as suckers in bananas. Irrigation during drought is done on a need basis as it is slightly tolerant to drought.
Soil, climate and spacing
Aloe vera grows in hot humid and high rainfall conditions. Well drained soils with high organic matter is most suitable. Rainfall ranging from 1000-1200 mm is ideal. It grows well in bright sunlight but is highly sensitive to water stagnation.
A spacing of 1.5ft by 1.5 ft or 2ft by 2ft is followed. Land preparation about 2-3 ploughing is done to make soil weed free and friable. Land levelling is then followed. Drainage is made 15-20 ft apart.
Nutrient application
Apply about 8-10 tonnes of FYM before land preparation. Before the last ploughing, 35kg nitrogen, 70kg phosphorous pentoxide and 70kg potassium oxide are added. Apply 350- 400kg neem cake per hectare for controlling termites. Weeding and earthing up are done after 40 days.
In September -October, about 35- 40kg nitrogen as top dressing may be applied.
Harvesting and post-harvest
Use of organic source of plant protection materials like raw garlic juice, neem oil 2- 3ml per litre, tobacco extract 20ml per litre give best results. It takes 18-24 months for aloe vera to fully mature and bears yellow flowers. It can be harvested four times a year with 3-4 leaves cut from each plant.
Picking is done in the morning or evening and the crop can be harvested up to 5 years. After harvesting, allow fresh crop to to wilt and lose moisture.
