Tinderet: Farmers in Tinderet Sub County are expressing optimism over a potentially bumper bean harvest expected to begin mid next month, following favorable weather conditions and improved farming practices, witnessed during the current planting season.
According to Kenya News Agency, the consistent rainfall received across various parts of the sub county since March has created conducive conditions for bean farming, raising expectations of higher yields compared to last year, when erratic weather patterns affected production. Areas such as Songhor-Soba, Kaplamai, and Kapsimotwo recorded extensive acreage under beans this season, as many farmers diversified from maize farming amid rising production costs.
Beans remain Kenya’s second most important food crop after maize and are grown by more than 1.5 million smallholder farmers across the country. Several farmers interviewed said timely rains, increased use of certified seeds, and improved extension services have significantly boosted crop performance this year.
John Kiprono, a farmer from Songhor area, noted that most farms in the region are already showing signs of a good harvest. ‘We planted early immediately the rains started and the crop has done very well. Most farms are already heavily loaded with pods and if the weather remains stable, we expect a very good harvest from mid next month,’ said Kiprono.
Esther Jelagat from Chemase said many farmers embraced early land preparation and proper weed control, factors she noted have improved crop health this season. ‘Unlike previous years where some crops dried midway, this season the rains have been reliable. Farmers also received more information on proper spacing and disease management,’ she said.
Agricultural experts indicate that beans in Kenya take between 60 and 90 days to mature depending on the variety and ecological conditions. Statistics from agricultural stakeholders show that a well-managed acre of beans can produce between 8 and 15 bags of 90 kilogrammes each under favourable conditions.
Some progressive farmers in the area who adopted improved bean varieties such as Nyota and Rosecoco expect even higher yields due to their resistance to diseases and ability to mature early. The Sub County Agricultural Extension Officer David Kemei attributed the anticipated harvest to improved seed varieties and increased awareness among farmers on modern agronomic practices. ‘A remarkable number of farmers embraced certified seeds and most of them planted on time. The rainfall has also been favourable in many parts of the sub county and this has greatly supported crop development,’ said Kemei.
The Nyota bean variety has gained popularity in several parts of the country because of its early maturity and high productivity, with some farmers expecting yields of up to 12 bags per acre under proper management. The farmers are now hopeful that the anticipated harvest will improve household food security and stabilize bean prices in local markets that have remained relatively high in recent months.
Bean prices in many parts of the country have remained attractive, with a 90-kilogramme bag retailing at between Sh8,000 and Sh10,000 depending on the variety and season. Philip Sang from Kapsimotwo, however, cautioned that post-harvest handling will be critical once harvesting begins. ‘We are expecting good yields, but storage and market access will now become important because many farmers are likely to harvest at almost the same time,’ said Sang.
Experts recommend harvesting beans once pods are completely dry and storing the produce in treated storage bags to maintain quality and reduce pest damage.
