See how you can easily become a millionaire from French beans farming in one year. All tips to succeed in French beans farming is all here for free from growing, harvesting, to selling and making money, among others.
French beans farming in Kenya has grown its producers to supplement salads and soups. French bean farming in Kenya is one of the profitable farming systems over a short time to farmers. French bean farmers have the added advantage of an all-time ready market.
Farming in Kenya records French beans to be among the best-produced crops in the agricultural industry. There is a high rate of French beans consumption among the citizens. There are several processing companies that have majored in their work in production.
Easy To Be A Millionaire From French Beans Farming
French Beans Price per Kg In Kenya is approximately Ksh. 100/kg. During high-demand seasons, the same kg of French beans can be sold at approximately Ksh. 150.
Although the prices vary in the Kenyan market depending on the distribution point, the production cost varies from one region to another.
In a single acre, a farmer may harvest from 4000kg- 6000kg. Averagely a farmer should be able to harvest 5,000kg. For average sales, farmers charge at approximately Ksh. 120/ kg, which guarantees the farmers not less than half a million per season making French beans farming profitable in Kenya.
Note that French beans matures just after two and a half months. The cost of production of French beans per acre in Kenya is about Ksh. 125,800. Assuming you harvested 5000kg that is 5 tons of French beans after 2½ months when the market price is Ksh.100 per kg then
French beans profit= 5000*100-125,800= Ksh. 375,000
If you only plant for three seasons, you already make your clean Ksh. 1.125 million in one year.
French Beans Farming For Beginners
Interested farmers who would like to try on the French bean farming are welcome to benefit from the lucrative business. Before getting started in the business, it is very important to identify whether the targeted market is local or international.
French beans are susceptible to extreme temperatures; thus, they should be sold straight from production to a ready market, or proper storage should be put in place. If the farmer decides to plant the beans for export, they should consult with the export agents.
If their product is to be accepted, then the farmer is to enquire about the best variety of the beans, specific packaging, the types of chemicals to use, among other specifications.
Most of the time, the farmers are offered training through organized seminars, mentorship programs, and marketing strategies to for better chances of exportation.
Regions French Beans Farming Flourishes
French beans are also referred to as green beans, snap beans, or mishiri (a Kenyan local name for the beans). Most of the farmers in production to international markets major their production grounds within or in the outskirt of Nairobi County.
Other regions in Kenya produce French beans for local markets, including;
- Kiambu County
- Kisumu
- Uasin Gishu
- Some parts of Western Kenya
- Murang’a
- Nakuru
- Kajiado
- Machakos
French Beans Varieties In Kenya
Mishiri farming in Kenya comes in different shapes and sizes, for instance, with minimum height and does not require support to maintain their upright posture. At the same time, there are climbing French bends that cannot survive without a straight support system.
Poles of about 10 meters and other alternatives are needed. Climbing variety can cause twister as to a coverage of about 8 meters.
French beans are categorized into three as shown in the table below.
Table showing different categories of the French beans according to quality.
| Fine pods | Extra fine pods | Bobby beans |
| Soft strings Tender Smaller seeds Shorter Turgid | Seedless No strings More tender More turgid Free from any defects The size should be 10cm and 6mm | They are low quality French beans They do not meet the expected specifications. The pod is tender The seeds are not big size. |
Types Of French Beans
Some of the commonly planted French beans types in Kenya include;
- Bronco
- Coby
- Expadia
- Bakara
- Monei
- Samantha
- Tonivert
- Rexas
- Amy
- Paulista
- Cupvert
- Gloria
French Beans Production
French beans are produced best between September to march. However, the seasons may extend to May. The beans can grow well in rainy seasons; the farmers are advised to have an alternative watering system such as irrigation when rains stop.
Suitable soils should be nutrient-rich with good drainage. The Ph levels should be favorable for the beans; for instance, they cannot survive under soils with Ph less than 4.5 and not above 7.5. Even so, most of the varieties flourish in soils with 6.5-7.5 Ph.
The planting area should be well cultivated and furrowed before plating. Farmers apply DAP fertilizer in the furrows during planting and mix well with soil before planting the seeds (2000kg/ ha).
CAN fertilizer is produced for topdressing at 100kg/ HA. Alternatively, soils with poor fertility may need organic manure placed in the furrows at not less than 10 tones/ ha.
Planting Of French Beans
Continuous planting ensures continuous reaping. When a farmer plants at an interval of two weeks apart, they are assured of a harvest that is after every two weeks.
Spacing can be done at 60cm by 30cm for double rows and 30cm by 15cm for single rows.
Most French been farmers use Thunder and Confidor insecticides for disease and pest control.
French Beans Seed Rate
Farmers should ensure the French bean seeds are certified from a known and trusted source. The seed rate should be not less than 30kg/ha with good spacing.
After the plant’s sprout, mulching is recommended to prevent soil erosion and enhance good drainage. Mulching also prevents soil from splashing to the plant, minimizing fungal infections.
Weeding Of French Beans
French beans require weeding at least twice before harvesting, such as 3 weeks after planting and 6 weeks after planting. Weed removal enhances the proper utilization of soil nutrients and water, and sunlight.
However, farmers should avoid contact with the French plants during the flowering period to protect the flowers from falling.
Harvesting Of French Beans
French beans are ready for picking between as early as 45 days and a maximum of 60 days, depending on the variety. Farmers can harvest from the same field for a maximum of 8 weeks since only the ready French beans are picked, and the rest give time to mature.
Progressive planting is encouraged for increased yields during harvest. Due to high perishability, the French beans always require a ready market.
Buyers of French Beans In Kenya
Table showing a list of buyers of French beans in Kenya for bulk orders
| Name of buyer | Contact | Address |
| Homegrown (Kenya) Ltd | +254-203873800 | Business Park Unit B, 1st Flr Ngong Rd, 10222-00400 Tom Mboya St , Nairobi, Kenya |
| Everest Enterprises Ltd | 020-3542009 020-6824141 020-6824142 | Airport North Road, Outer Ring Road, Nairobi |
| VEGPRO KENYA LTD | +254-20552506 | Elephant Soap Complex, Shimo La Tewa Rd, P.O. Box: 27669-00100 Nairobi GPO, Nairobi, Kenya |
| Fresh Produce Exporters Association of Kenya | +254 713 516 555 Email:info@fpeak.org | New Rehema House, 4th Floor, Raphta Road, Westlands |
| Kenya Horticultural Exports Limited (KHE) | +254 (20) 2517979 +254 (20) 2345874 +254 (703471417) +254 (732) 289710 | Off Enterprise Road, next to NAS Plastics |
Conclusion
French beans farming in Kenya have been practiced successfully both for the local and international market. The ministry of agriculture encourages more farmers on board to increase the French bean’s exports. The farming practice in Kenya can be done successfully as a part-time or full-time job to improve livelihood and the country’s economy.
