Beans are among the easiest 3 months crops to grow, this guide is how beans farming is done in Kenya and specifically uasin gishu county with most farmers going for rainfed production rather than irrigation.
Varieties of beans grown
These are common bean varieties are grown in Kenya Uasin Gishu. they include;
- Rose Coco
- Chelalang
- Nyota
- Saitoti beans
Planting of beans
Propagation is by seeds is usually done from those stored from previous years secured as seeds, they should be pure and diseases free for best production, alternatively, certified seeds can be bought. Planting is always done in the onset of rains since most production is rain fed.
Beans are planted in furrows at a spacing of 10cm and 40cm apart, at a depth of 1-2 inches. The beans are intercropped with others like maize or fruit trees. Beans germinate within 4 – 7days, depending on the variety.
Nutrition and irrigation of beans
Beans require sufficient moisture especially during early stages and flowering period. For optimal production, it is important to ensure that the crop is supplied with sufficient nutrients,
During planting, application of a Phosphorous rich fertilizer such as DAP is recommended. Considering the amount of organic matter in the soil, manure can also be applied. DAP fertilizer should be applied at the rate of (25kg/acre) during planting.
4 – 5 weeks after germination, top dressing should be done. CAN at rate of 25kg per acre is used or some basal fertilizer rich in Calcium, Boron and Nitrates,
Pest and Diseases management for beans
Beans in Kenya are affected by various pests and diseases that can significantly reduce yields. Key pests include bean fly, which attacks young plants by laying eggs on the stem, causing wilting and stunted growth. The aphid (Aphis fabae) is another common pest, sucking sap from the plant and transmitting viral diseases. Cutworms and thrips also attack beans, damaging leaves and flowers.
In terms of diseases, angular leaf spot leads to leaf defoliation, while rust causes reddish-brown spots on the leaves, severely affecting photosynthesis. Common bacterial blight (caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis) results in water-soaked lesions on leaves, stems, and pods, while root rot and fusarium wilt can lead to plant death. Additionally, bean common mosaic virus (BCMV), spread by aphids, causes leaf mottling and distortion, stunting plant growth.
Proper management of these pests and diseases using recommended pesticides and fungicides is crucial for healthy bean production.
Weeds control beans
Weeding beans whether manually or using herbicides should be done in order to avoid losses attributed to weed infestation. This is because they compete with the crop for nutrients, water, space, among others, as well as harboring pests and diseases.
A recommended herbicide is used to kill all types of weeds during land preparation, or even just before germination. This helps in reducing the development of weeds, even throughout the bean crop season.
A post-emergent herbicide for control of annual weeds in beans fields should also be used. If you decide to weed manually., you’ll have to do it twice for optimal production. Before flowering and topdressing weeding beans is essential.
Harvesting and marketing of beans
Beans are ready for harvesting 70 – 120 days after sowing. they can be harvested while tender or when fully mature. At maturity, the plants have matured and leaves turned yellowish to brown or fallen. Dry harvesting is done by completely uprooting the beans and drying them before being extracted from their pods.
Beans in Kenya have high potential for export and ready open-air market but there is no organization for exporting especially to overseas countries. Dry beans have consistently good prices. The average monthly prices are Ksh. 150 per Kg
Depending on to the variety, a bean farmer in Kenya can get an average yield of 8 bags per acre.