Looking to get into yellow beans farming in Kenya? I feel you. Growing healthy, beautiful beans can be very rewarding, not to mention delicious! But I know it can seem confusing at first. All those details about soil pH, planting times, pest control – right?
Lucky for you, I’ve put together a handy guide to help you succeed in yellow beans farming and get increased harvests. With or without an agricultural degree!
In this guide, we’ll walk through everything step-by-step – from getting your soil prepared just right to determining when to plant for the best yields. I’ll share best tips to keep pests at bay and how to get your yellow beans healthy and strong. Trust me, you’ll be amazed at just how many beans one plant can produce when cared for properly!
Why yellow beans farming is gaining popularity in Kenya
Yellow beans go by the science name Phaseolus vulgaris. They’re one of the top bean varieties that Kenyan farmers like to grow.
What makes yellow beans special?
- For starters, they do well in different soils and weather conditions across the country. So pretty much any farmer can grow them!
- The plants don’t need a ton of water either, which is great news
- yellow beans mature quickly – in just 2 months you can be harvesting sacks full!
- yellow beans have a nice flavor and soft texture when cooked. People love eating them in stews, curries, soups and more. That means as a farmer, it’s easy to find buyers for your harvest
So in a nutshell, yellow beans thrive in Kenya. The plants are strong, fast growing and can produce a lot of pods per acre. And there’s tons of demand from customers who enjoy these tasty beans.
Yellow beans varieties in Kenya
We have many varieties of yellow beans in Kenya but all fall under two broad categories
1: Bush Beans
2: Pole Beans
Bush Beans
These type of beans doesn’t usually grow tall; instead, they spread out in a bushy way, which is why they’re called bush beans.
So, when you’re planting these type, make sure there’s enough space between them to avoid nutrient competition.
Now, let’s take a look at the various types of yellow beans in this category:
- Brittle wax bush snap bean
- Cherokee wax bush snap bean
- Golden butter wax bush snap bean
- Gold Rush bush snap bean
- Pencil pod black wax bean
Pole beans
Yellow beans in this group typically grow long with extended tendrils, allowing the plants to reach heights of up to 3 feet.
For optimal growth, it’s recommended to plant these beans alongside maize, as they can use the maize stems for support. Alternatively, you can cultivate these beans by providing poles in your garden.
Keeping that in mind, here are the various yellow bean types in this category:
- Kentucky Wonder
- Monte Gusto
- Yellow Roman
- Gold Nectar
- Marvel of Venice
Also read : Hass avocado farming in Kenya
Ecological Requirements: Yellow Beans Farming in Kenya
Soil
Make sure it’s good – well-drained, with lots of organic waste materials. Keep the pH around 6.5 to 7.5. Oh, and don’t drown them; beans aren’t big fans of too much water.
Rainfall
Beans like it wet, but not too wet. Aim for 800 to 2,000 mm of rain, spread evenly throughout the year. If rain doesn’t pour, no worries, just water your beans. Just avoid watering in the flowering stage.
Altitude and Temperature
Beans are okay with different altitudes (1,000 to 2,100 meters), and they’re cool with temperatures between 15 to 33⁰C. But they really perform best at 20 to 25⁰C.
Tips for growing yellow beans in Kenya
Timing right
Plant your yellow beans during the short rains to avoid flooding issues. Too much rain can lead to diseases like blight and mess with your flowering process, resulting in a poor harvest. But if you’re feeling rebellious and want to go for it during the dry season, just make sure to water those beans once a week.
And avoid clogging them during the flowering stage – we wouldn’t want any flower casualties! Timing really matters, make sure you plant on time, top-dress on time, weed on time and Harvest on time to maximize on your harvests.
You should also know that there are two Rainy seasons in Kenya
Long rains (March to June)
Short rains (October to December)
Spacing matters
If you’re into the pole variety, aim for a 10×40 cm spacing. Bush variety? Go for 20×20 cm. Either way, you’re looking at planting around 100,000 yellow bean seeds per acre, roughly 25 to 30 kgs.
Fertilizer application
After doing a soil pH test, use CalciGrow Fertilizer and mix with either DAP or NPK, mix in the ratio 1:1 during planting and topdressing. You can also Mix your soil with compost organic manure before planting seeds to supercharge your soil’s fertility. Top dress after two weeks Two weeks.
Pest and diseases
the arch-nemeses of any farmer. Watch out for aphids, cutworms, bean fly, caterpillars, whiteflies, and bollworms. Spot them early, and a good spray of Pentagon 50 EC or Umeme should work wonders. As for diseases like bean rust, downy mildew, anthracnose, and blight, hit them with fungicides like Green Copper, Mistress, Trinity Gold, or Ridomil.
Weeding
Clear weeds out before planting, and don’t forget to pluck any sneaky ones trying to cozy up with your beans at week three. Once your bean plants start their takeover, they’ll create a weed-proof umbrella. No more weeding headaches!
Price of Yellow beans in Kenya
As of now, you’re looking at a price range of Ksh 180 to 220 Kenya shillings for a kilogram of yellow beans. Keep in mind, though, that this range might vary depending on many factors such as Market price fluctuations and the current season.
Now, here’s a little tip if you want to get more profits. Consider selling your beans to local learning institutions through tenders. These places often dish out a better price compared to the regular market rates. So, there’s a potential win-win for your beans and your wallet!
Market of yellow beans in Kenya
yellow beans market in Kenya is quite promising. After you’ve successfully harvested your yellow beans, market concerns need not trouble you.
Beans hold a significant place among the most widely consumed food crops in Kenya.
Their versatility allows them to be used in various dishes, adding to their popularity. Interestingly, in many cases, buyers are likely to seek you out, offering favorable prices for your produce.
Moreover, you have the option to explore becoming a supplier for various educational institutions in your local area. This presents an additional avenue to distribute your yellow beans.
Yellow beans Maturity and yield per Acre
Yellow beans reach maturity in approximately two months, similar to other varieties of beans.
Upon reaching this stage, you have the option to harvest them while they’re still green or allow them to dry on the farm.
The choice between these methods depends on the specific demands of your market.
In terms of yield, with effective agronomic practices, you can expect to harvest about 10 bags (90kg each) of yellow beans per acre. In simpler terms, this equates to approximately 900 kilograms of yellow beans in a single season.
Farmer testimonial
I reached out to Samuel Njoroge, a seasoned farmer from Nyeri, Kenya, he recently experienced increased yields in yellow beans farming. He began yellow beans farming in Kenya 3 years ago and his most recent harvest stands as a testament to the potential and rewards of dedicated agricultural practises. Here is what he said.
“When i first started yellow beans farming, i faced a lot of challenges, i eventually realized that i was doing everything wrong, so i decided to do everything by the book, and the results are immensely positive”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the ideal soil pH for yellow beans?
Yellow beans thrive in soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH range, ideally between 6.5-7.5 .Anywhere from 6.0 to 7.5 is okay.
Q2: When is the best time to harvest yellow beans?
Optimal harvesting time is when pods reach full maturity, typically around 2 months or 2 and a half months.
Q3: How many kg is yellow beans per acre?
One acre can produce between 7 to 10 bags of 90 kg’s.
Q4: How much is yellow beans in Kenya?
You’re looking at a price range of Ksh 180 to 220 Kenya shillings for one kilogram of yellow beans. Keep in mind, though, that this range might vary depending on many factors such as Market price fluctuations and the current season.
Q5: Where is yellow beans grown in Kenya?
The cultivation of the crop extends across nearly all regions in Kenya, with Eastern, Nyanza, Central, Western, and Rift Valley emerging as the primary provinces for yellow beans cultivation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the venture into yellow beans farming in Kenya holds great promise for agricultural development and increased harvests. As evidenced by the comprehensive exploration of cultivation practices, pest management, and market opportunities, it is clear that this agricultural pursuit has the potential to not only contribute significantly to food security but also enhance the economic well-being of local farmers.
The increased demand for yellow beans, both domestically and internationally, presents a lucrative market for Kenyan farmers. As consumer preferences shift towards healthier and more sustainable food choices, the nutritional profile of yellow beans positions them as a valuable commodity. Leveraging this demand can not only bolster the income of farmers but also contribute to the overall economic growth of the region.
However, as with any agricultural venture, continuous research and development, coupled with ongoing support from governmental and non-governmental agencies, will be crucial in sustaining and expanding the success of yellow beans farming in Kenya. This includes addressing challenges such as access to quality seeds, water management, and post-harvest handling.
The journey into yellow beans farming in Kenya is a testament to the resilience and innovation of the agricultural sector. By embracing this venture, farmers have the opportunity to not only increase their harvests but also play a vital role in shaping the future of sustainable agriculture in the region. As partnerships between farmers, researchers, and policymakers strengthen, the yellow beans industry has the potential to become a cornerstone of Kenya’s agricultural landscape, contributing to both food security and economic prosperity.
