Bean Farmers have been urged to embrace modern ways of farming putting into consideration seeds which have been researched and approved by reliable institutions to ensure that they get better yields.
Speaking during a field day organized by Green without Borders at Shitungu village, Lurambi sub-county Kakamega county, the Chief Executive Officer of the organization Andrew Egala called upon farmers to embrace bean farming given that there is an acute shortage of the same in the country and thus good markets.
“There is an acute shortage of bean production in Africa, at the moment the production is at 1 metric ton compared to 3 metric tons that are consumed per year.” Explained Egala.
Egala said that his organization, green without borders deals with seeds that have been researched on and tested in Katumani and have proved to be climate smart and yield well urging more bean farmers to embrace them.
The seeds KAT B1, KAT B9 and X56 are drought resistant and the rate at which they get infested with pests is low compared to the local bean seeds.
He, however, clarified that a pesticide is ideal once the crops are one-month-old for protection and better production.
Besides, the beans cook fast and have a sweet taste when cooked.
According to the CEO, an acre of land produces between 7 to 10, 90 kg bags of beans if the right procedure is followed.
He further emphasized on bean production arguing that it will deal with malnutrition in the country given that beans are a good source of proteins yet almost half of the children in Kenya are stunted due to malnutrition.
Besides beans, the organization also supplies green grams N26 and cow peas M66.
Andrew Mwengeli who represented farmers from West Pokot revealed that they have embraced the seed and are now enjoying the outcomes.
Mwengeli says that the fact that the seeds are drought resistant makes them favorable for West Pokot a relatively dry area.
He said that they are yet to have their first harvest and from the way it has performed, they are willing to continue farming it.
Siaya county, Kisumu county, Busia county and Vihiga county were also represented by farmers who unanimously said they target to plant the bean seeds in mass.