Have you been thinking of tapping into the benefits of Kenya's export market? French beans are some of the crops that dominate Kenya's export market. When you plant them on your parcel of land, you'll be thinking of exporting them in less than two months. But how much do you know about French beans farming in Kenya?
Horticulture is the third largest foreign exchange earner in Kenya. Flowers account for the largest share of the total horticulture exports. Fresh produce, including French beans, accounts for about 30 percent of horticultural exports. The European Union is the leading export destination for all the horticultural produce in Kenya.
French beans farming in Kenya
French beans belong to the Fabaceae family. They are locally referred to as Mishiri. The beans are bred and cultivated for their pods and seeds. There are different varieties of the crop. Some commonly grown varieties include Serengeti, Samantha, Teresa, Amy, Rexas, Belcampo, Pekara, and Paulista.
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The crop thrives well in warm-wet regions of Kenya that receive an annual rainfall of between 900-1200mm. Some areas where you can find French beans include Thika, Kirinyaga, Kajiado, Nyeri, Naivasha, Uasin Gishu, and Machakos. You can grow French beans under irrigation if you live in a dry area.
Harvesting of French beans
Harvesting of French beans can be done before the pods are fully mature. How long does French beans take to mature? The average maturity period is 45 - 60 days. You can harvest the pods between 42 and 56 days after planting, depending on the variety.
The pods should be picked three times per week during the harvesting period. The harvesting should continue for a period of 1.5 - 2 months. You should harvest the immature pods before they are fully grown to maintain export quality.
They should be harvested early in the morning when the temperatures are cool. It is important to note that the crop is highly perishable and should only be harvested when there is a ready market.
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How profitable is French beans farming in Kenya?
French beans is one of the most marketable crops you can grow on your land. How much do French beans yield per acre in Kenya? An acre can produce 6 to 9 tonnes of French beans.
But the cost of French beans varies depending on the season. The farm gate price for French beans is Kshs 21 per kg. During the high season, the price of French beans varies between Kshs 70 and Kshs 100 per kg.
If you harvest 6 tonnes per acre, you will pocket between Ksh 420,000 and Ksh 600,000. During the low season, the price drops to Kshs. 30 per kg. If you harvest 6 tonnes per acre, you will pocket between Kshs 420,000 and Kshs 600,000 during the peak seasons.
Where to sell French beans
The consumption rate of French beans in Kenya is quite low. You can sell the produce to restaurants, grocery stores, hotels, and supermarkets. But, most farmers produce the crop for export. The produce is mainly exported to Europe.
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Some countries where you can export French beans include Belgium, France, Germany, Holland, and the United Kingdom. The peak export period is between May and October.
Frequently asked questions
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You now know everything you need to know about French beans farming in Kenya. This crop should be at the top of your list of crops to grow on your land as it requires you to have basic knowledge about farming practices. If you want to get the most from your harvest, consider exporting the produce to Europe.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
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