TRADITIONAL Management PRACTICES of Aloe Vera (Aloe indica) CULTIVATION IN BANGLADESH: AN EXPERIENCE FROM NATORE DISTRICT.

ABSTRACT 

An exploratory survey was conducted on farmers’ traditional knowledge on the management practices of Aloe Vera cultivation in the Natore district of Bangladesh. The study site was selected by a deliberate sampling method and the ultimate sampling units (farmers) were selected using a multistage random sampling. The study revealed that farmers preferred (76%) homestead lands having good drainage as the planting site and disease free spotless root sucker as the planting material. Mid-October to mid-December was found to be the most (88%) suitable time for planting. They followed a number of cultural operations which includes: land preparation, furrow making, weeding, fertilizing, pest and disease control, and mortality/replanting. 88% of the respondent farmers used chemical fertilizer. It was opined by the farmers that ‘leaf spot’ (assumed to be) is the major and ‘leaf rot’ as the minor disease in Aloe Vera plantation. Most (72%) of the farmers opined that mortality of this plant is about to zero percent. Harvesting time varied (3 – 18 months) with the propagating materials used and 88% of the farmers considered leaf size as the major harvesting criteria. As compared with the marketing channel of December 2004, the present one is more secured and profitable after the establishment of “Grhitakanchan Krishak Shamitee” (Aloe Vera Cultivators’ Association). This organization helps the farmer to market their product smoothly. Utility of Aloe Vera for variety of purposes has been proved elsewhere of the world but still now fresh plant is mostly used for single purpose in Bangladesh i.e., Sherbet preparation. For expanding its utility, entrepreneurs should be encouraged to come forward with initiatives for developing large-scale production and processing technologies for promoting diversified products from Aloe Vera.

 

                                   

INTRODUCTION

Aloe Vera (Aloe indica), a short stemmed succulent perennial herb of the Liliaceae family constitutes a remarkable portion in the utilization of NWFPs in health care (Ross, 2003; Dey, 2006). It’s succulent leaves are crowded on the top of the stem, spreading gravish green and glaucous; spotted when young, 20-50 cm long, 3-5 cm wide at the base, tapering gradually to the pointed tip, 1-2.5 cm thick having spiny edges and bitter latex inside. Flowers are borne in cylindrical terminal racemes on ventral flower stalks, 5 to 100 cm high. The yellow periniath is divided into 6 lobes, about 2.5 cm long, with scattered bracts. Each flower has 6 protruding stamens and three-called ovary with long style. Forms of the species vary in size of leaves and colures of flowers (Ross, 2003).

A growing body of research suggests that, given certain basic condition, NWFPs can meet the local needs of a community without destroying the forest resources, can generate higher rural incomes, and conserve biodiversity while not competing with agriculture (FAO, 2005). NWFPs complement wood-based management becoming the oldest trade commodities (Iqbal, 1993) and form a basis for sustainable forest management. The value of wood removal is decreasing while the value of NWFPs is increasing-and underestimated (FAO, 2005).

Aloe Vera is such an important NWFP serving raw material for natural cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. According to Morton (1961), the exudates of Aloe Vera was used for numerous medical and cosmetic applications since ancient times. It’s Gel, beginning in the 50’s, has gained respect as a commodity used as a base for nutritional drinks, as a moisturizer, and a healing agent in cosmetics and OTC drugs. Chemical analysis has revealed that it is also used in wound therapy (Erik and Wink, 2004), and specially to treat burns (Balick and Cox, 2003). Aloe Vera controls pulmonary carcinogenesis and was effective in the treatment of leukemia and sarcoma and that it would prevent the development of tumors (Garbutt, 2000). Halder (2005) reported the use of Aloe Vera gel in the treatment of ulcers, seborrhea, and acne vulgarizes. The results showed stimulating effect on the healing of chronic leg diseases; stimulate hair growth and drying of seborrhea skin. Leaves are mainly used as raw materials (Erik and Wink, 2004).

Aloe Vera is a highly valued raw material in natural cosmetic industries. Grindlay and Reynolds (1986) stated that the current global turnover of raw Aloe Vera leaves amounts up to US$ 70-90 million dollars, which is expected to grow at a rate of 35 percent in the next five years. The current global trade of processed derivatives of Aloe Vera is estimated at around US$ 1 billions and is steadily increasing. IASC (2004) estimated the industry size as – Aloe Vera raw material $65-80 million and finished products containing Aloe Vera -$110 billion dollars.

Aloe Vera is native to North Africa, the Mediterranean region of southern Europe, and to the Canary Islands. It is now cultivated throughout the West Indies, tropical America, and the tropics in general (Ross, 2003). Despite of its enormous potential both in domestic and international market, in Bangladesh, it is primarily grown around Natore District and is confined in a small pocket of the country (Dixie et al, 2003). In Bangladesh the street hawker mainly uses it for the preparation of Sherbet (Soft drinks). (Dixie et al., 2003).

In Bangladesh, about 80% of the population opts for herbal treatment particularly the Ayurvedic and Unani systems. Cost is a factor as to why so many people in the country are used to these alternative systems of medicine. But their popularity also stems from the effectiveness of the treatment in most cases and their relative safety (FAO, 2007). A market study on medicinal plants conducted by Dixie et. al. (2003) revealed that 1000 tonnes of fresh Aloe Vera is used only for self-consumption per year in Bangladesh. Sales have been steadily growing at around 25 percent year. The trade considers that, unless additional markets are stimulated, the sale of crude Aloe Vera “Sherbet” locally known as Musabbar is unlikely to increase by more than another 50% over the next 3-4 years (i.e. 500 tons). At that point supply is likely to exceed demand and prices to fall precipitously. Currently the market for Musabbar is believed to be relatively small, i.e. 3-4 tons the equivalent of around 30 or 40 tons of raw materials. However, with increased availability, demand could grow. It would also be very suitable for production during the dry winter months, when the demand for Aloe Vera sherbet is at its lowest. The market opportunity is estimated at some 90,000 USD (Dixie et. al., 2003). Besides, Bangladesh at present spend about TK. 5000 million (70 TK = 1 US$) on the import of herbs and herbal extracts to make medicine. If we can systematically cultivate and rare this valuable NTFP in a greater extent we can easily save a substantial money spend on import. At present the annual average size of the export market for herbal products world wide as raw materials is some US$ 62 billion. The market size is projected to expand to around $5 trillion by 2050 (FAO, 2007). So there is a large prospect for export by cultivating medicinal plants and herbs with special emphasize on Aloe Vera.    

According to Herna^/ndez-Cruz et al. (2002) the cultivation of Aloe Vera has acquired great commercial importance for medicinal products and cosmetic processing but information is scarce about agronomic management of this crop. Despite of its enormous potentiality in both domestic and international market, the cultivation of Aloe Vera in Bangladesh is very limited. It might be due to information gap regarding the traditional cultivation procedure, different management aspects, and marketing. So, it is assumed that if all the above information can be explored and made available from the root level farmers to policy makers, the cultivation of this valuable NWFP can be popularized throughout the country (Prospect of, 2006). Keeping this view ahead, the present study was conducted in Natore district to explore the traditional management practices of Aloe Vera cultivation in Bangladesh.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Study site

The study was carried out in the month of May, 2007 at Laxmipur Kholabaria and Khamarpara villages of Laksmipur Kholabaria union (a rural administrative unit consists of a number of villages) of the Natore Sadar upazila (sub-district) (Figure1) under the Natore district, a northern district of Bangladesh. The rationale behind the selection of this site is that in Bangladesh, Natore is the major Aloe Vera cultivating district (Dixie et al, 2003). The district with an area of 1896.05 sq km is bounded by Naogaon and Bogra districts on the north, Pabna and Kushtia districts on the south, Pabna and Sirajgang districts on the east, and Rajshahi district on the west. It consists of 6 upazilas, 4 municipalities, 36 wards, 93 mahallas, 52 unions, 1272 mouzas and 1377 villages. Natore Sadar upazila, with an area of 401.29 sq km, is one of them. It consists of one municipality, 12 unions, and 310 villages with a total population 369136 where male 51.65% and female 48.35%. Average literacy rate of this area is 31.2% where male 37.5% and female 24.4%. Main occupations of the people are agriculture (38.01%), agricultural labourer (24.23%), wage labourer (2.69%), commerce (13.05%), service (7.93%), transport (2.94%), and others (11.15%). Total cultivable land is about 29925 hectares and 9736 hectares of fallow land. Among the peasants 27% are landless, 47% small, 21% intermediate, and 5% rich. There prevails a maximum average annual temperature of 37.8°C and a minimum of 11.2°C with an annual rainfall of 1862 mm (Karim, 2006).

Methods

A deliberate sampling method was used to locate the Natore Sadar uapazila from the 6 upazilas within the Natore district. A multistage random sampling method was applied to locate the villages and households for the study within the upazila as the primary sampling unit and ultimate sampling unit respectively. From a total of 12 unions of Natore Sadar upazila, one union was selected randomly and from the union, two villages were selected using the same sampling technique. Then a list of Aloe Vera cultivators was prepared from the two villages and 25 farmers (50% sampling frequency) were selected randomly for survey 5 local Bapari (traders) who were directly involved in Aloe Vera marketing also selected randomly and interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Before preparing the final survey schedule, a preliminary schedule was developed in conformity with the objectives of the study. A draft schedule was prepared. The draft schedule was pre-tested with a few selected farmers. Some parts of the draft schedule were improved, rearranged, and modified in the light of the practical experience gained from the pre-testing. The schedule was then finalized and questions were listed in logical sequence, so that the farmer could answer easily. The selected farmers were personally interviewed for collecting reliable data and other information. Data were collected on the socioeconomic characteristics such as age, education level, occupation, farm size, ownership of land, knowledge sharing, organizational participation, involvement of family members in cultivation related activities and participation in decision making, production related information i.e. farming experience, planting material, sowing time, fertilization, irrigation, cultural operation, pest and disease, harvesting, local knowledge on primary processing and its uses; economics of Aloe vera  production and market information such as market channel, price variation, place of sale to fulfill the objectives of the study. On each topic the respondents were free to express their views. New avenues of questioning were pursued as the interview developed. The interview schedule was designed to collect information in local units. However, these were converted into national / international standard units. To analysis the data obtained from field, we used MS Excel and SPSS 10.  

Results and Discussion

Selection of planting site

Choice of planting site was reported to be the major criteria for Aloe Vera cultivation in the study area. Three different set of sites namely (1) Homestead land, good drainage and open sunlight (2) High land and open sunlight (3) Open sunlight and even land were reported as planting sites. Majority (76%) of the Aloe Vera growers in the selected areas considered homestead land having good drainage and open sunlight as main criteria (Figure2). Verma (1971) stated that the plant can be cultivated in dry climatic conditions, since it is not a water loving species, in poor soils without much care and the root system of this plant is shallow and does not penetrate deep into the soil.

Regeneration

Planting materials

Good planting material is prerequisite for potential return from crops. In the study area, farmers used root sucker and stalk of mature plants as planting materials. Root sucker usually was separated from the mother plant after a certain period it was stored in a place for planting. Majority of the farmers (76%) considered disease free and spotless root sucker with 2/3 of roots since it gave quick return and required minimum input (Figure3). Verma (1971) and Anon (2004) reported the same preference in choosing planting materials.

Source of production technique and planting material

The study revealed that 48% of the sampled farmers adopted Aloe Vera production technique and planting materials from their neighbors and a very few (16%) from relatives (Figure4).

Planting season

Only 12% of the farmers had the perception that Aloe Vera could be grown all the year round except monsoon; but beginning of winter (mid October to mid December) was found to be the most (88%) suitable times for planting because of the possibility of getting rotten by excessive rainwater (Figure 5). Verma (1971) also opined the same trend in selecting planting season.  

Spacing

Spacing is an important factor for cultivating Aloe Vera. In the study area, majority (52%) of the farmers used the spacing:  plant-plant 27 inch and row-row 9 inch; and a spacing of: plant-plant 18 inch and row-row 12 inch is followed by very few (4%) farmers. (Figure6). Spacing between plant to plant 27 inches and row to row 9 inches is more suitable because the plants get more space to spread which helps to make the leaves long and thick. But Anon (2004) suggested the spacing of: plant-plant 30-45 cm, and row-row 60 cm which differs from the present study.

 Cultural operation

Land preparation: Ploughing followed by harrowing was done once a year during land preparation.

Furrow making:  Furrows having depth of 12.7 cm were made with the help of a rope to make them straight. Furrow were made twice per year during land preparation and secondly 150-180 days after planting

Weeding: Weeding was carried out whenever it was required, but minimum 5 weeding were done throughout the growing period. During cultural operation, earthing up was done so that the plants do not get damage due to lodging and plants root could receive proper nutrients

Use of chemical fertilizers

Application of chemical fertilizer is a common practice for cultivating Aloe Vera in the study area. It was revealed from the study that 88% of the sampled farmers used chemical fertilizer in their Aloe Vera field (Figure7).

Use of pesticides in controlling disease and insect infestation

Among the surveyed farmers, 8% found no infestation whilst 92% observed insect infestation (Figure8) generally by a mosquito-like-insect in their Aloe Vera crops and identified as ‘leaf spot’ to be one of the main diseases whose proper protection is unknown to them. Another type of infestation was observed as ‘leaf rot’. Amongst the farmers who observed insect infestation, 92% farmers’ perception was that leaf spot was the main symptom of mosquito-like-insect infestation. No scientific study has yet been conducted to identify the actual disease and the pathogen in these areas though it is already evident that leaf spot on Aloe Vera found to be caused by Alternaria alternata and Fusarium solani.

A large portion (88%) of the farmers used lime and ash (LA) for it’s protection maintaining an usual schedule of ‘ash early in the morning or at the late afternoon’ and ‘lime at noon’. A few (4%) of the farmers used chemical pesticides (CP) for the protection of leaf spot whilst the rest (8%) took no measures (NM) for protection (Figure9).

Mortality/ Replanting

It is said that Aloe Vera survive for years and it is immortal. Majority of the farmers’ (72%) perception on mortality percentage was zero even though sometimes the plant get damaged for many reasons such as leaf spot, leaf rot, stagnation of water. Only 8% respondents opined that the plant had a mortality rate of 10% (highest within the respondents’ compass).

Harvesting

Time of harvesting

From the past few decades, leaves of Aloe Vera have been harvesting in different form. The leaves become harvestable after 3 to 8 months after planting depending upon the propagating materials used. The study revealed that almost 100% of the farmers used cuttings as planting materials, with the shortest harvesting period of 3 months only, and seedling as a partial one with a varying range (9-18 months) of harvesting periods (Table1). Farmers used to use hands instead of other equipments for harvesting of Aloe Vera leaves in the study area.

                   Table1. Varying harvesting time of Aloe vera leaves in the study area.

Propagating materials	Harvesting time (months)	Remarks
Cuttings (matured plant stalk, etc)	3.0 (100%)*	Early growing
Seedling	9.0 (48%)	Variation of harvesting time due to seedling age, eager to earn money earlier, quality production
	10.0 (24%)
	12.0 (12%)
	18.0 (16%)

^* Values within the parenthesis showing the percent value of the respondents                                                                                                                                 following the respective harvesting period.

Criteria for harvesting leaves

Growers generally followed some criteria (size of the leaves and thickness and strength of leaves) during harvesting of Aloe Vera leaves. Among the different criteria, majority (88 %) of the farmers considered size of leaves (Figure10)

Frequency of harvesting

It was evident from the study that frequency of harvesting after the maturity was generally depending on its demand; with an upright demand frequency increased and vice versa. But in practice most of the farmers (56%) harvested Aloe Vera leaves with an interval 20 days (Figure11).

Marketing of Aloe Vera

Marketing channel of Aloe Vera

The farmers in the study area used to market their products directly to local Bapari (traders) without any ready cash. The figure12 provides a schematic presentation of the marketing channel of Aloe Vera with a comparison with that of December, 2004 to have a look at the comparative changes. In the marketing channel of December, 2004 there was no billing system and as a result there was a risk for the farmers and local Bapari to be cheated by the temporary Aratdar (wholesale merchant) and Hawkers/Street sellers as well. To overcome these problems, farmers established an association named ‘Grhitakanchan Krishak Shamitee’ (Aloe Vera Cultivators’ Association) and is now enjoying a more or less secured marketing system.

Selling pattern, quantity, and price variation

The study showed that 92% of the farmers sold their produce from the field directly (Figure 13). Growers who had cultivated Aloe Vera but their main occupation was business (Large/small local Bapari) sold fresh Aloe Vera directly to the Aratdar of the Capital (Dhaka).

It was revealed that 64% of the sample farmers opined that they sold their all (100%) Aloe Vera leaves to local Bapari while 28% farmers sold 90% of their produces to local Bapari, and 10% to the Hawker (Table2).

Table2. Showing the selling percentage along with the buyers in respect of the respondents

Sold to	Respondent farmers
Bapari (100%)	16 (64%)
Bapari (90%) and Hawker (10%)	7 (28%)
Arathdar (100%)	2 (8%)

It was also observed from the study that different factors (leaf spot, leaf size, and season) were responsible for the price variation in the study area. (Figure14). An equal percentage of forty (40%) of the sample farmers opined leaf spot and season were the factors beyond price variation of Aloe Vera leaves. However, leaf size and sometimes thickness of leaves also affected the price variation in the study area.

Conclusion

The farmers in the rural areas of Bangladesh applied their own knowledge to cultivate and manage Aloe Vera. Farmers usually used chemical fertilizers rather than using organic manure which is not an environmentally sustainable practice. The so called ‘leaf spot’ was found to be a major problem in Aloe Vera cultivations and they had no particular idea of actually what the disease is and on the causes and control measure of the disease which demands immediate scientific attention. Majority of the farmers harvested Aloe Vera leaves at 9 months after planting and frequency of harvesting per year was 18, which was much higher than those of large-scale production of Aloe Vera elsewhere in the world. Majorities of the farmers were willing to continue and expand Aloe Vera cultivation area if they found ensured marketing system. A number of impediments like identification and appropriate control measure of ‘leaf spot’, lack of land and fund, lack of irrigation, high input cost, and lack of organic manure for expanding of Aloe Vera were reported by the growers. By resolving the aforesaid lacking, Aloe Vera can be cultivated in the homesteads, adjacent fields and in the fallow land. Utility of Aloe Vera for variety of purposes has been proved elsewhere of the world but still now fresh plant is mostly used for single purpose in Bangladesh i.e., Sherbet preparation. For expanding its utility, entrepreneurs should be encouraged to come forward with initiatives for developing large-scale production and processing technologies for promoting diversified products from Aloe Vera.

 

 

 

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