Beans is herbaceous annual plant grown for its edible dry seeds or unripe fruits. It is the second most important staple food after maize for the local people. Its leaves are also used as vegetable and straw for animal fodder. In Kenya common beans are grown mainly for subsistence and for the local market. It is highly rich in protein hence known to be the cheapest source of protein, starch and minerals such as iron and potassium. Beans are cooked by boiling, frying, and baking or can be bought cooked or canned.
Beans is herbaceous annual plant grown for its edible dry seeds or unripe fruits. It is the second most important staple food after maize for the local people in Kenya. Its leaves are also used as vegetable and straw for animal fodder. In Kenya common beans are grown mainly for subsistence and for the local market. It is highly rich in protein hence known to be the cheapest source of protein, starch and minerals such as iron and potassium. Beans are cooked by boiling, frying, and baking or can be bought cooked or canned.
Beans farming in Kenya is not as common as maize. However, it is one of the common grown crops in Kenya. In fact, it is often inter-cropped with the main crop for maximum absorption of nutrients by both plants. Our guide will help interested parties, both farmers and traders to have a clear mind on beans farming and how they can get money as far as beans are concerned.
Yield per Acre of Beans
The hybrid varieties of beans nowadays are very impressive and has a high yield compared to the traditional varieties. Most of the improved beans varieties produce about 20 pods for each plant, which translate to about 25, 90 kg bags per acre. Notably, this crop is high yielding when all the conditions are optimal.
Beans are source of proteins which makes us depend highly on them. The market for beans is overwhelming, both locally and international. Depending on quality and type of beans, the prices per kg of beans ranges between Ug.sh 4,000 and Ug.sh 6,000. Particularly, beans fetch better prices when it is not harvesting period.
Some varieties are also more expensive than others. The rose coco and kidney beans, for instance, are a bit pricey compared to the other varieties which are available in large quantities. Beans with a high supply across the country will fetch a lower price compared to those that thrive in specific areas. Irrespective of the type of beans, the market for beans is always there and since it’s a grain, you can store it and sell when the prices are high.
Just like any other agricultural product, prices for beans fluctuate depending on a number of factors including demand and supply. The crop will tend to be expensive when they are in high demand, which is often around planting time when farmers need seeds for planting, and also during periods with no new crops. The cost may also depend on the region you are in and when you are buying or selling. So different areas in Kenya register varying prices of beans. Averagely, beans prices range from Ugshs. 4,000 to Ugshs. 6,000 in major towns of the country.
