Get facts about yellow beans farming in Kenya including types of beans, how to grow, yield per acre, production cost and profits, market, nutritional benefits and many more.
Yellow beans farming has been embraced by many crop farmers. The Yellow beans are also called birds egg, October beans, speckled cranberry, Wren’s eye, shell.
Types Of Yellow Beans
Bean’s farming recognizes yellow beans in two types, such as Pole and Bush. Below are the varieties of the two kinds of yellow beans.
1. Bush Beans
Bush beans are usually planted in linear rows and the double row will support each other as they grow. Varieties of bush beans:
- Golden Butter wax Bush Snap Bean
- Brittle wax Bush Snap Bean
- Pencil Pod Black Wax Bean
- Cherokee Wax Bush Snap Bean
- Goldrush Bush Snap Bean
2. Pole Beans
Pole beans are planted against a tepee arrangement which can be placed on smaller plots. Pole beans can also be used to make a quick screening fence around an area. The varieties of pole beans include:
- Marvel of Venice
- Gold Nectar
- Yellow Romano
- Monte Gusto
- Kentucky Wonder Wax
Yellow Beans Certified Seeds In Kenya
Farmers are advised not just to purchase seeds known and trusted companies and grocery stores. Quality seeds yield quality and quantity produce which benefits the farmer.
Best Areas To Plant Yellow Beans
Yellow beans farming in Kenya thrives mostly in places with warm climatic conditions with minimal rainfall. Since beans are seasonal, proper timing is advised for better yields.
Most regions in Kenya plant yellow beans as long as proper timing is observed. However, the best soils with favorable climatic conditions for better results on yellow beans are
- Rift Valley,
- Western,
- Eastern,
- Central,
- Nyanza.
How To Plant Yellow Beans
Planting Pole Beans
Climbing yellow Pole beans do well in warm soil. The beans depend on the raised structures to extend their growth.
Each bean plant should have its own space for proper twisting on poles to maintain the upright position. The longer they twist, the more the chances of ripping more beans.
Farmers can plant the beans in rows to allow easier harvesting. An appropriate spacing enhances easy and safe movements by the farmer when tending for the beans.
In two months, the beans should the farmer should be ready to harvest.
Planting Bush Beans
On the other hand, Bush beans do not require any support system during their entire growth period. Bush beans do well when planted 2 to 3 weeks apart within the same farm.
Yellow beans farming in Kenya can profit a farmer in a short time. Usually, the yellow beans mature within 60 to 70 days. Farmers can invest and reap good returns in a period of 2 months.
How To Harvest Yellow Beans
Yellow beans are ready for harvest when the court harboring the bean seeds turns smooth and yellow. Only the ripe noes are picked and the rest left to ripen. In this way, the farmer can increase their yield.
On the other hand, bush beans get ready for harvest in groups according to the period planted. The crop yields better when harvested progressively. In this manner, the farmer can plan well on storage to marketing over and over.
Yellow Beans Yield Per Acre.
Famers need one kg of yellow bean seeds to cover an acre of land during planting. Farmers can harvest at least 500kg to 900kg of yellow beans per acre if all the conditions required for growth are provided.
Yellow Beans Prices In Kenya
The price of yellow beans in Kenya per kg is approximately Ksh. 80 on the minimum and Ksh. 200.
During scarcity, especially in dry seasons, the price can be recorded as high as Ksh. 250 per kg. Prices may also vary depending on the point of distribution geographically.
How Profitable Is Yellow Bean Farming?
Yellow beans farming is very profitable in Kenya since in one acre, you can earn a profit of about Ksh. 49,000 after all your investment cost has been deducted.
The production cost of yellow beans per acre is not so high due to less attention and care during growth. For better yields, beans require DAP fertilizer during planting, only 25kg of fertilizer per acre.
Yellow beans have a low production cost with higher returns, as illustrated in the table below.
Table showing cost of production of yellow beans Kenya
| Bean seeds | Description | charges |
| 25kg | Each kg costs approximately Ksh. 100 | Ksh. 2500 |
| DAP fertilizers | 25kg per acre at approximately Ksh. 1,600 | Ksh 1600 |
| Miscellaneous | Transport and labour | Ksh. 2000 |
| Total cost | Ksh. 6,100 |
Table showing yellow beans yield profits per acre in Kenya
| Yellow beans yield per acre | Minimum returns | Average profits made |
| At least 500kg | The lowest cost per kg can be approximately Ksh. 80 | If cost of production is deducted from minimum return (Ksh. 56,000- Ksh. 6,100) |
| Totals | Ksh 56,000 | Ksh. 49,900 |
Health Benefits Of Yellow Beans
Apart from the tasty nature the yellow beans have, they have been rated to regulate blood insulin in diabetic patients. Yellow beans have recorded a series of other healthy nutrients and add to the physical, dietary needs of the body.
Yellow beans farming in Kenya have secured a ready market from consumers over the years due to their nutritious nature. The beans are prepared in recipes of stews, salads, and soups.
Apart from the yellow beans’ tasty nature, here are some of the nutrients in yellow beans.
Table showing yellow beans nutritious content in a half a cup
| Nutrients | Nutrient content |
| Total calories | 43.8Kcal |
| Proteins | 2.4g |
| Carbohydrates | 5.5g |
| Fats | 0.4g |
| Vitamin A | 18% |
| Iron | 9% |
| Vitamin C | 20% |
| Calcium | 6% |
Conclusion
Yellow beans farming in Kenya is cost-effective for farmers who, in turn, enjoy reasonable profits. Yellow beans yield per acre in Kenya can greatly encourage beginner farmers if all the appropriate steps are taken. Beans farming in Kenya has grown the country’s economy incredibly in high-demand seasons.
