Aloevera and Stevia cultivation proposal

ALOE VERA CULTIVATION IN CHITWAN:
A CASE STUDY OF PALM AGROTECH AND BIO-ENERGY NEPAL PVT. LTD

Smriti Pradhan
Roll. Number: ***
P.U. Registration Number: ***

A Summer Proposal Submitted to
… College,
Pokhara University

Submitted for the degree of
Bachelor of Business Administration- Banking and Insurance

Hakimchowk,
Mangsir, 2070

DECLARATION

This Summer Project proposal entitled “Aloe Vera Cultivation in Chitwan: A Case Study of Palm Agro-tech and Bio-Energy Nepal Pvt. Ltd.” which is submitted by me in the partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of BBA-BI degree of Pokhara University comprises only my original work and due acknowledgement have been made to materials used in the report.

……………….
***
2070/06/09

BONAFIED CERTIFICATE

Certified that this project proposal Aloe Vera Cultivation in Chitwan: A Case Study of Palm Agrotech and Bio- Energy Pvt. Ltd. is the bonafied work of
Smriti Pradhan who carried out the summer project proposal work under my supervision. This report is forwarded for examination.

--------------------- -------------------
Neena Shrestha Bimal Raj Pathak Supervisor Academic Director

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 5-9
1.1 Background of Study 5
1.2 Statement of Problems 8
1.3 Objective of the Study 8
1.4 Importance of the Study 9
1.5 Limitations of the Study 9

CHAPTER 2 REVIEW OF RELATED STUDIES 10-19
2.1 Theme 1 10
2.2 Theme 2 11
2.3 Theme 3 15
2.4 Conceptual Framework 18

CHAPTER 3 RESEARCH METHODS 20-22
3.1 Study Area and Rationale for Selection 20
3.2 Nature and Source of Data 20
3.3 Study Population and Sample 21
3.4 Data Collection Tools and Techniques 21
3.5 Data Analysis and Interpretation 22

REFERENCES 23
ANNEX QUESTIONAIRE 24
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of Study:

Agriculture is the key sector of the Nepalese economy which provides employment opportunities to 66% of total population and contributes about 39% in GDP with 13% of the total foreign trade of the country (Department of Agriculture of Nepal, 2013). So the development of agriculture is the key for the development of the national economy. Along with the agricultural crops, Nepal is also famous for the growth of medicinal herbal plants. Among these, Aloe Vera is important herbal plant.

Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller) is a specific species of Aloe. There are over 400 species of Aloe Vera plants in the Lily Family. Aloe plants tend to grow
80-100 cm tall. New plants mature in 4-6 years and can survive for nearly 50 years in favorable conditions. They have thick, green leaf-like structures that grow from a central point. Aloe does not have a typical stem like other plants do, it is a stemless plant. These leaf-like structures have spiky edges that protect the plant from being consumed easily. Aloe Vera is classified as a succulent plant.
Typically succulent plants grow in areas of the tropics or subtropics. But some plants, like Aloe Vera, can survive quite well in arid areas. Succulent plants are water retaining plants. They store water in their leaves, stems, and roots to prepare for times of little or no rain. The plant can survive in hot temperatures ranging all the way to 104 degrees Fahrenheit all the way down to below freezing temperature as long as the root of the plant is not damaged. Aloe Vera is native to North Africa and the Caribbean. The finest Aloe grown today is grown in the
Southern California desert region Aloe is grown largely in South Texas, USA, Mexico, India, South America, Central America, Australia and Africa. It is commonly called Miracle plant, Healing plant, Plant of immortality, Fountain of youth. Aloe species are frequently cultivated as ornamental plants both in gardens and in pots being highly decorative. Some species, in particular Aloe Vera are purported to have medicinal properties used in alternative medicines and in home first aid. In homeopathic medicine aloe is used for hemorrhoids. In India Aloe Vera has been referred to as "kumari’ in Ayurvedic treatments. Some selected number of aloe species valued for their beauty and ornamental value. Aloe use has been documented for thousands of years.

Common Name: Hindi - Ghritkumari (घृत कुमारी)
English - Aloe ( Barbedolsaloes)
Latin - Aloe Vera ( Aloe barbadensis Mill)
Sanskrit - Kumari
Tamil - Kattalai
Kannada - Kathaligidi
Telgu - Kalabanda
Malayalam- Kattuvala
Marathi - Korafad
Bangla - Kumari
Gujarti - Kunwar
Arabic - Mussavar

There has been partial historic documentation on the evolution of Aloe
Vera and its use in past times. It has been rumored that Egyptian queens, such as Cleopatra and Nefertiti used Aloe Vera in their routine beauty regiments. It was also mentioned in the bible that Jesus has his hands wrapped with Aloe after being hung from the cross to soothe the pain and help heal his wounds.

Aloe Vera has been a popular house plant often called the ‘miracle plant’ or the natural healer’. It flourishes in warm and dry climates. There are around 400 species of aloe, but it is the Aloe Barbadensis Miller (Aloe Vera or ‘true Aloe’) plant which has been of most use to mankind because of medical properties it displays. Aloe Vera is a plant of great potential and value in the field of therapeutics, pharmaceuticals and cosmetic industries. Aloe Vera plant get quickly established during dry and rainy season after which hardly requires any irrigation. However, light irrigation is essential in planting. In Nepal, Terai is most suitable to grow Aloe Vera.

Aloe Vera is bused in skin- care products example: shampoo, cream, herbal powder, etc. by various national and international companies. It is useful in treating constipation, cough sinus, wounds, ulcers, diabetes, cancer, liver disorder, kidney disorder, headaches, arthritis, asthma, tuberculosis, immune system deficiency and anti- inflammatory, to treat dandruff & sticky hair and many more.

Chitwan lies in the inner Terai in the southern part of Nepal. Agriculture makes up the important sector in Chitwan. Along with the production of agricultural crops, Chitwan is also famous for medicinal herbal plants. Among which, Aloe Vera is popularly grown in recent days. Palm Agrotech & Bio- Energy Nepal Pvt. Ltd. is a Nepali company which came into operation on 14th of Ashad 2067 B.S. with its head office in Bharatpur – 10, Hakimchowk, Chitwan. This company is commercially cultivating a best species of Aloe Vera.

1.2 Statement of Problem:

This research will be done to find out different conditions, difficulties and problems faced by farmers and related people during Aloe Vera cultivation. Some of the reasonable questions regarding the Aloe Vera cultivation are as follows:

Are all the farmers well educated about the cultivation of Aloe Vera?
What kind of land is fertile for cultivation?
How can its cultivation affect the business?
Whether insecticides, pesticides and other organic fertilizers have been used or not?
Are the farmers benefited from the cultivation of Aloe Vera or not?

1.3 Objectives of Study:

The objectives of the report will be the following:

To understand the maximum use of tools and techniques for the cultivation,
To know the affects of cultivation on business,
To identify different employment opportunities provided by it,
To analyze the potential and scope of Aloe Vera cultivation,
To make people aware of the importance of Aloe Vera.

1.4 Importance of Study:

The research may provide necessary details to the agriculture department by helping make appropriate decision as it focuses on the conditions, problems and importance related to Aloe Vera cultivation,
This study would also may provide information to concerned researchers who further want to research in this field,
It would also be beneficial for small entrepreneurs who want to start their business in this field,
The business people who desire to work on this field can also be benefited by the study,
Moreover, every individual will also be benefited by the study and knowledge of information of Aloe Vera.

1.6 Limitations of Study:

The topic itself, at a glance, seems to be vague enough for analysis regarding the limitations of the scope and potential of Aloe Vera cultivation. The other limitations are as follows:

Due to limited time factor, optimum number of samples couldn’t be taken,
Due to limited cost, the research process wasn’t as desired,
The sample chosen may not represent whole population,
Since the study use mainly primary source of data collection, information provided might be more biased and inconsistent,
The data provided during the research might not be accurate sometimes so certain information could be based on assumptions,
The data collected might not be totally reliable.

CHAPTER II
RELATED OF RELATED STUDIES

2.1 Literature Review:

Cultivation:-
Aloe Vera is a succulent plant species that is found only in cultivation, having no naturally occurring populations, although closely related aloes do occur in northern Africa. The species is frequently cited as being used in herbal medicine since the beginning of the first century AD. Aloe Vera’s use can be traced back 6,000 years to early Egypt, where the plant was depicted on stone carvings. Known as the “plant of immortality,” Aloe was presented as a burial gift to deceased pharaohs.

Aloe Vera has been widely grown as an ornamental plant. The species is popular with modern gardeners as a putatively medicinal plant and for its interesting flowers, form, and succulence. This succulence enables the species to survive in areas of low natural rainfall, making it ideal for rockeries and other low water-use gardens. The species is hardy in zones 8–11, although it is intolerant of very heavy frost or snow. The species is relatively resistant to most insect pests, though spider mites, mealy bugs, scale insects, and aphid species may cause a decline in plant health. In pots, the species requires well-drained, sandy potting soil and bright, sunny conditions; however, Aloe plants can burn under too much sun or shrivel when the pot does not drain the rain. The use of a good-quality commercial propagation mix or packaged "cacti and succulent mix" is recommended, as they allow good drainage. Terra cotta pots are preferable as they are porous. Potted plants should be allowed to completely dry prior to re-watering. When potted, aloes become crowded with "pups" growing from the sides of the "mother plant", they should be divided and repotted to allow room for further growth and help prevent pest infestations. During winter, Aloe Vera may become dormant, during which little moisture is required. In areas that receive frost or snow, the species is best kept indoors or in heated glasshouses. Large-scale agricultural production of Aloe Vera is undertaken in Australia, Bangladesh, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, China, Mexico, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa along with the USA to supply the cosmetics industry with Aloe Vera gel.
This plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

2.2 Potential and Scope:

Aloe Vera has been the subject of scientific study for the last few years, along with other members of the Aloe genus regarding several claimed therapeutic properties. Man has used aloe therapeutically for over 5000 years. Different parts of the plant are used for different effects on the body and Aloe Vera has both internal and external applications.

Aloe Vera contains over 200 active components including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes, polysaccharide, and fatty acids- no wonder it’s used for such a wide range of remedies. The bulk of the Aloe Vera leaf is filled with a clear gel-like substance, which is approximately 99% water.

According to Kew Gardens, England's royal botanical center of excellence, Aloe Vera has been used for centuries and is currently more popular than ever. It is cultivated worldwide, primarily as a crop for "Aloe gel", which comes from the leaf.

Aloe Vera is widely used today in:
Food - it is approved by the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) as a natural flavoring
Cosmetics
Food supplements
Herbal remedies
The earliest records of Aloe Vera being used by humans appear in the Embers Papyrus (Egyptian medical papyrus) from 16th century BC. According to a study published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology, in ancient Egypt they called Aloe Vera "that plant of immortality". The authors added that the plant has been used therapeutically for many centuries in China, Japan, India, Greece, Egypt, Mexico and Japan.

Pedanius Dioscorides (circa 40-90 AD) a Greek physician, pharmacologist and botanist, mentioned Aloe Vera and its therapeutic qualities in "De Mataria Medica", a 5-volume encyclopedia about medical substances and herbal medicine - it was widely read for over 1,500 years.

Gaius Plinius Secundus (AD 23-79), better known as Pliny the Elder, a Roman author, naturalist, and natural philosopher, mentioned Aloe Vera's therapeutic benefits in "Natural History", an early encyclopedia - one of the major single works to have survived from the Roman Empire.

Aloe Vera is among the few medicinal plants by virtue of their extensive medicinal, nutraceutical and other uses enjoy a major chunk of the market across the globe. The major markets for Aloe Vera and its extracts are Australia, US and the entire Europe. Despite the ideal climatic conditions for the cultivation of Aloe Vera, we have not been able to exploit. The reasons are simple: lack of cultivation and processing know-how.

Given the exponentially growing demand for it in the international market, Aloe Vera presents the finest commercial opportunity among the various medicinal plants. Also India is among the few countries gifted with the unique geographical features essential for cultivation of Aloe Vera and other high potential medicinal plants. Yet the country has not realized and reaped the full potential of such plants. The reason is simple: lack of the requisite expertise. Fortunately, the technology is now accessible to individual and corporate entrepreneurs to make the most of aloe through mainstream cultivation.

According to Himalyan Agri Herbals Pvt. Ltd., a conservative estimate puts the monetary value of current global trade in medicinal plants at over US$60 billion. With the increasing interest in ‘natural’ products across the world and the resultant upsurge in the demand for medicinal plants, this trade is expected to grow up to 5 trillion by the year 2050. Aloe Vera is among the few medicinal plants by virtue of their extensive medicinal, nutraceutical and other uses enjoy a major chunk of the market across the globe. The major markets for Aloe Vera and its extracts are Australia, US and the entire Europe. A recent study carried out to identify the plants to focus on, in order to posit ion the Indian medicinal plants sector on its growth path with a long-term up to the year 2020, has identified 45 plants. Given the exponentially growing demand for it in the international market, Aloe Vera presents the finest commercial opportunity among the various medicinal plants. Also, India is among the few countries gifted with the unique geographical features essential for cultivation of Aloe Vera and other high potential medicinal plants.

Market Scenario:
The crop can be harvested 4 times a year. At the rate of 3 leaves cut from each plant, about 12 leaves are the harvest per plant per year. On an average, the yield per acre annually is about 60,000 kg. According to Agrosys Products India Pvt. Ltd., the current global turnover of raw Aloe Vera leaves amount up to US $70-80 million dollars, which is expected to grow at a rate of 35% in next five years. For processed derivatives and Value Added products, current global trade is estimated at around US $ billion and US $ 25 billions, respectively.

Example of market scenario of Aloe Vera cultivation in Nepalese Economy:
(sambadmedia.com, 2013)
Banke, June 15,2013: Kali Bahadur Khatri from Sundarbasti of Kohalpur-4 in the district has been successful to earn heavy amount with the commercial farming of aloe vera in a very short period. Mr Khatri had returned the investment amount in the very first year of the farming and earned Rs 200,000 in the second year. He has given employment to six persons paying Rs 6,000 per month to each.He had begun the commercial farming 1.5 bighas of land two and half years ago. More than 10,000 kg of aloe vera leaves are produced each season, and each kg is sold at Rs 20.Even the seedlings are sold making addition income. Rs 40,000 is made selling the seedlings in a season. Each sapling is sold at Rs 30. “Demand of aloe vera is growing. So, it is giving handsome return,” he said, adding, the ayurved companies procure aloe vera leaves from the farming. So, it is not necessary to take it to market too.” The leavSes can be harvested for five times in a year. Once planted, it sustains for nearly six year, he added.Moreover, farmer Khatri has also installed a machine to process the aloe vera leaves. The aloe vera oil is sold at Rs 885 per liter.

2.3 Benefits and Medical Uses of Aloe Vera:

Historically, aloe was used topically to heal wounds and for various skin conditions, and orally as a laxative. Today, in addition to these uses, aloe is used as a folk or traditional remedy for a variety of conditions, including diabetes, asthma, epilepsy, and osteoarthritis. It is also used topically for osteoarthritis, burns, sunburns, and psoriasis.
The list of benefits and effects for this miraculous plant are many.

1. Aloe Vera Is High in Vitamins & Minerals: Aloe Vera contains many vitamins including A, C, E, folic acid, chlorine, B1, B2, B3 (niacin), B6. Aloe Vera is also one of the few plants that contain vitamin B12.Some of the 20 minerals found in Aloe Vera include: calcium, magnesium, zinc, chromium, selenium, sodium, iron, potassium, copper, manganese.

2. Aloe Vera is High in Amino Acids & Fatty Acids: Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. There are about 22 amino acids that are necessary for the human body and it is said that 8 of these are essential. Estimates of the amino acids found in aloe range from 18-20 amino acids, with all 8 essential amino acids.
Aloe Vera also includes quite an impressive range of fatty acids. Aloe contains three plant sterols, which are important fatty acids- HCL cholesterol (which lowers fats in the blood), campestral, and B-sitosterol. All are helpful in reducing symptoms of allergies and acid indigestion. Other fatty acids include linoleic, linolenic, myristic, caprylic, oleic, palmitic, and stearic.

3. Aloe Vera is an Adaptogen: Aloe Vera is a well-known adaptogen. An adaptogen is something that boosts the body’s natural ability to adapt to external changes and resist illness. It is thought that aloe’s power as an adaptogen balances the body’s system, stimulating the defense and adaptive mechanisms of the body. This allows you an increased ability to cope with stress.

4. Aloe Helps with Digestion: Poor digestion is related to many diseases. A properly functioning digestive tract is one of the keys and foundations of health. Aloe is known to soothe and cleanse the digestive tract and help improve digestion. It helps with either constipation or diarrhea, helping to regulate your elimination cycles in whatever way you need. It’s been a great remedy for people with problems such as irritable bowel syndrome as well as acid reflux.

5. Aloe Helps in Detoxification: The main benefit to consuming gelatinous plant foods like Aloe Vera in our diet is that these gels move through the intestinal tract absorbing toxins along the way and get eliminated through the colon. This will help the proper elimination of waste from your body and help the detoxification of your body.

6. Aloe Alkalizes the Body: Disease cannot manifest in an alkaline environment. Most people are living and subsisting on mostly acidic foods. For great health, remember the 80/20 rule – 80% alkaline forming foods and 20% acidic. Aloe Vera is an alkaline forming food. It alkalizes the body, helping to balance overly acidic dietary habits.

7. Cardiovascular Health: There has been some research to show that Aloe Vera extract injected into the blood, greatly multiplies the oxygen transportation and diffusion capabilities of the red blood cells.

8. Aloe Helps Boost the Immune System: Aloe is also an immune enhancer because of its high level of anti-oxidants, which help combat the unstable compounds known as free-radicals, contributing to the aging process. (Free radicals are a bi-product of life itself, it is a naturally occurring process but we can overload ourselves with unnecessary free-radicals by living an unhealthy lifestyle) Aloe is also an antipyretic which means it used to reduce or prevent fever.

9. Aloe Vera is Great for the Skin: Because of aloe’s well-known healing properties for the skin, aloe is one of the primary compounds used in the cosmetic industry. It is a known vulnerary, (meaning it helps heal wounds) and is great for applying topically to burns, abrasions, psoriasis and even to bug bites. Aloe acts as an analgesic, acting to help relieve pain of wounds. Aloe is also an antipruritic: A substance that relieves or prevents itching. Aloe Vera is an astringent: which causes the contraction of body tissues, typically used to reduce bleeding from minor abrasions.

10. Disinfectant, Anti-biotic, Anti-microbial, Germicidal, Anti-bacterial, Anti-septic, Anti-fungal & Anti-viral: Aloe Vera’s active ingredients are sulphur, lupeol, salicylic acid, cinnamic acid, urea nitrogen and phenol which are substances that prevent the growth of disease-causing microorganisms and act as a team to provide antimicrobial activity thus eliminating many internal and external infections, also active against bacteria. It also helps to treat fungal and viral infections.

11. Aloe Helps Reduce Inflammation: Aloe Vera contains 12 substances, including B-sisterole, which can help to slow down or inhibit inflammation. This may be able to help with painful joints due to stiffness and help improve joint flexibility.

Aloe vera gel can be found in hundreds of skin products, including lotions and sunblocks. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved aloe vera as a natural food flavoring.

It is understood the nutritional plethora that Aloe Vera can provide to us if used and prepared properly. But as with any “medication”, herbal or otherwise, one must use it on a consistent basis, especially Aloe Vera, to get the maximum benefit that it can provide. The same concept applies to any type of holistic medicinal treatment as well. If the people in the above medical studies for Aloe
Vera had just randomly taken the Aloe for Psoriasis or IBS then you can assume the results would not have been the same.
2.4 Conceptual Framework:

The plant Aloe is as old as human civilization and its versatile properties for various purposes have been well documented. The cultivation of Aloe Vera plant are of great use; for medicinal use, in business sector, trade, raising the economic status by providing employment to all individual associate din this business, for consumption purpose and many more.

They flourish in a variety of climates and even on the poorest of soils, but nee protection from frost. No major disease or pests have been reported so far. It can be grown in variety of soil, but the most ideal soil for it is slightly alkaline with a pH up to 8.5. Aloe does not require much water, however, soon after planting land should be irrigated. It requires about 150 ml of water monthly for yield of good quality leaf weighing approximately 1 kg. The plant is irrigated through rain- fed and sprinkler method.

Aloe is raised as organic crop and only Farm Yard Manure (FYM) is applied (12-15 tones/ha). In standing crop, cow dung is applied (5-10 tones/ha). Apart from FYM and natural manures with good nutritional value at the time of land preparation, it demands additional annual supplements like ammonium nitrate for optimum yield.

Aloe Vera is a semi tropical plant. There are over 250 species of Aloe grown around the world. It contains more than two hundred tonic ingredients including essential amino acids, minerals, vitamins, enzymes and steroids. Also contains the most essential components required by the human body. It is grown wild in hedge-rows in dry soil conditions and almost all parts of India. It can be grown even under constant drought conditions.

Commercial cultivation and utilization of this plant with the application of technology can be of great value. It is a sure cash spinner and the progressive farmers can go for its cultivation which may increase their living standard.

CHAPTER III
RESEARCH METHODS

3.1 Study Area and Rationale for Selection:

I will be conducting the research in Bharatpur area which lies in the western Chitwan. The main reason for selecting this area is that it is my own home town so I am almost familiar with this area and different activities held here. Since the company Plam Agrotech and Bio- Energy Nepal Pvt. Ltd., is a producer and promoter of high quality Nepalese Aloe Vera and aloe raw and processed products I have choosen to investigate on it. Similarly, the main reason behind selection of my topic, “Aloe Vera Cultivation; A Case Study of Palm Agrotech and Bio-Energy Nepal Pvt. Ltd.”, is that Aloe Vera is a plant of greater importance and its cultivation is more popular in this area and it is essential to make people aware of its medical, education and business values.

3.2 Nature and Source of Data:
I will be taking both primary data and secondary data in my study.

Primary Data:-
As the research will be conducted on Aloe Vera cultivation in Bharatpur area, I will be going to visit the company itself and the field of cultivation, and do the observation and analyze the entire factors related to the cultivation of Aloe Vera. Similarly, in the process of field visit, I will be taking interviews with different people related to this business in order to get the detailed information on the cultivation of Aloe Vera.

Secondary Data:-
Although my data will be collected majorly from primary sources, it will be difficult to find the data related to the cultivation of Aloe Vera of whole country and the history of its cultivation. So the data will also be collected through secondary source like internet. In order to get the depth knowledge about the Aloe Vera cultivation, the researcher will also be consulting different existing literatures, reports, journals, information bulletins and different books published by agriculture department or other institution and personal working in this fields.

3.3 Study Population and Sample:

As there are number of wards in Bharatpur municipality, it will be difficult to analyze different people of all wards. Hence I will be taking the ward no. 2 and 11 of Bharatpur area as the study area and do the sampling on it. As there are around hundreds of houses involved in the cultivation of Aloe Vera, it will also be impossible to take the whole population for study. And as the research shouldn’t be biased, only 20 houses will be randomly chosen and the company itself for investigation. And the sample will be so chosen such a way that the conclusion of the study will be the representation of the whole population.

3.4 Tools and Techniques of Data Collection:

Different tools and techniques such as questionnaire, interviews, observation, focus, group discussions, etc will be used that helps to draw the information from people while doing the research. Since the research will be related to the cultivation of Aloe Vera in Bharatpur area, I will be making questionnaires related to the heading and distributing it to the people whom I will be selecting for the interviews. I will also be visiting the company itself and making separate questions to gain information. By collecting the information, conclusion will be drawn.

3.5 Data Analysis and Interpretation:

There are many techniques to analyze the studied data. For the presentation of data and its interpretation, some statistical tools will be used. A computer software called SPSS will also be used to refine and analyze the data. Similarly different qualitative tools will also be used to analyze the collected information. Inorder to explain the relations of analyzed data, the data will be presented in the form of tables, diagrams, descriptions, pie-chart, etc.

REFRENCES:

1. Davis, Robert H, Ph.D. "Aloe Vera: A Scientific Approach". Vantage Press, New York, 1st Edition.1997. 35,36,109-111
2. The Wikimedia Foundation, April 2007, http://en.wikipedia.org
3. www.GOOGLE.com
4. www.agricultureinfo.com
5. www.agriculture herbals.com
6. www.agrosysindia.com

ANNEX
QUESTIONAIRE

Demographic Information

Name of respondent:

Age:

Gender:

Municipality: Ward No.:

District: House No.:

Total number of family:

Total income:

Income (per person):

Main occupation:

Educational Qualifications:

Contact No.:

Questionnaire for farmer

1) Do you have your own land?
a) Yes b)No

2) If yes then how many acres of lands do you have?
……………….

3) What is your main occupation? …………………..

4) What is your yearly income? a) 2000-10000 b) 10000-18000 c) 18000-26000 d)above 26000

5) Are you satisfied with your earnings?
a) Yes b) No

6) Do you think Aloe Vera have good market?
a) Yes b) No

7) Why are you involved in this business?
…………………….

8) Are you aware of the importance of its cultivation?
a) Yes b) No

9) From how many years have you been doing cultivation of Aloe Vera?
………………..

10)What is the income from this business?
……………………….

11)Are you satisfied with this earnings?
………………..

12)Does the company provides required materials for the cultivation?
a)Yes b)No

13) Do you use any kinds of fertilizers?
a) Yes b) No

14) Are you employing any people in your field?
a) Yes b) No 15) Is the annual yield satisfactory?
a) Yes b) No

16) Will you continue this business?
a) Yes b) No

Questionnaire for Company
1) How many individual are involved in the cultivation of Aloe Vera?
…………….

2) What kind of land do you consider fertile for cultivation?
……………..

3) Do you provide the farmers with the necessary materials for cultivation?
a) Yes b) No

4) Do you provide the necessary trainings to the farmers?
a) Yes b) No

5) What is the annual turnover from the cultivation?
……………..

6) How is the market of Aloe Vera?
a) Excellent b) Good
c) Average d) Not as expected

7) What kind of products does your company manufacture from Aloe Vera?
……………..
8) Where are the products traded?
……………..
9) How is the international market of Aloe Vera?
a) Excellent b) Good
c) Average d) Not as expected

10) Has the government provided any kind of support to your business?
a) Yes b) No

11) What further help are you expecting from the government?
……………..