Green Grams Farming in Kenya: The Money Making Cereal

Introduction to Green Grams Farming in Kenya

Green grams farming in Kenya is a fast growing venture in Kenya. Green grams, or mung beans, play a significant role in nutrition and economic development in Kenya. These are cultivated by smallholder farmers in the arid and semi-arid regions, which account for approximately 89% of the country’s land area. Green grams are rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals which enhance nutrition and food security. Farmers from fertile Embu and Meru to the dry lowlands of Kitui and Makueni are reaping the benefits of this crop. It also does well in Tharaka Nithi, Machakos, and some regions in the Rift Valley. Green grams are resource-efficient and climate-flexible. In this guide, you’ll learn all about green gram farming in Kenya.

• Choosing the right varieties for your area
• Knowing the best growing conditions
• Preparing land and planting seeds
• Managing fields effectively
• Dealing with pests and diseases
• Handling your harvest properly
• Finding market opportunities and economic benefits

Understanding Green Grams Farming in Kenya

Mung beans, known locally as green grams (Vigna radiata) are crucial legumes in Kenya. Beans of such small size and shape of benefit they offer alongside their great adaptability.

The short maturity periods of green grams is a phenomenal reason why Kenyan farmers choose them. These crops can grow in only 60 to 90 days. Such regions that have little to no rainfall benefit from these plants along with great growth in nutrition and soil as they resist drought and boost soil health by fixing nitrogen which brings down the expense of chemical fertilizers. This makes soil available for more crops in the future.

The nutritional value of green grams is staggering. These beans contain everything from iron and magnesium to proteins, dietary fibers, and folate. Because of these factors, they are greatly sought after by health-conscious buyers and are also staple foods in many Kenyan households.

Bean farms are a great source of uninterrupted income for farmers throughout the year. Beans are traded in international and local markets. They can be grown as whole dried grams or as flour. Farmers especially cherish these beans as test crops, as they can grow them for hobby reasons or increase production commercially.

The uses of green grams extend far beyond basic food preparation. These versatile legumes find their way into:

• Traditional dishes where they’re transformed into flavorful stews and soups
• Modern health foods, including sprouted bean salads and protein-rich snacks
• Livestock feed, where the plant residues provide nutritious fodder
• Value-added products like specialized flours and ready-to-eat meals

Varieties of Green Grams

Kenyan farmers can choose from several high-performing green gram varieties. Each variety suits different growing conditions and farmer needs, and knowing these varieties is key to successful cultivation.

1. N26 (Nylon)

This quick-growing variety is perfect for a fast harvest. It matures in just 60-65 days and produces high yields. You’ll know it’s ready when the pods turn black. The grains are bright, shiny green, which buyers love.

2. KS20 (Uncle)

If you farm in an area with less rainfall, KS20 is your best choice. It takes 80-90 days to mature and produces larger grains with a dull green color. Look for brown pods as a sign of harvest time.

3. Karembo

Want to target premium markets? Try Karembo. It produces large grains that fetch good prices and matures in 70-85 days. Many commercial farmers prefer this variety for its market appeal.

4. Local Varieties

These traditional varieties are well-adapted to specific areas. While growth times and pest resistance vary, they can be a good choice if they’ve proven successful in your region.

Ecological Requirements

Location and Climate

• Your farm should be between sea level and 1,600 meters in altitude
• The crop grows best in temperatures of 28-35°C
• You’ll need 350-700mm of rain during the growing season

Soil Requirements

• Choose well-drained, sandy-loam soil
• Aim for soil pH between 5.5 and 7.5
• Good drainage is crucial – waterlogged soil will harm your crop

Water Needs

• Green grams are drought-tolerant
• They can grow with minimal irrigation
• Most important water times are during flowering and pod formation

Land Preparation and Planting

Correct land preparation and planting are very important to achieve good yields of green grams. Here is a simple guide:

• To start, prepare the land by removing trash and all types of weeds. After that, plowing should be complemented by harrowing until a fine tilth is achieved. This step promotes uniform germination through good seed-soil contact.
• Remember that seeds are important. Use certified seeds only because they tend to deliver higher crop yields and are disease-tolerant. Although they are primarily more expensive, their high germination ability makes them cost-effective in the end.
• When it comes to planting, the timing is key. Start once the rains begin, this helps you take advantage of the moisture in the soil for germination. When dealing with irrigated fields, ensure the soil is moist before planting.
• To achieve the best plant growth, always observe the spacing of the seeds. Rows should be 30cm apart while gaps between plants within each row should be 10cm apart.
• To ensure optimal plant growth, space your seeds properly. Maintain a 30cm distance between rows and 10cm between plants in each row. This arrangement boosts air circulation, lowers disease risk, and makes the best use of land.
• Depending on the variety and size, you’ll need about 8-10 kg of seeds per acre. Plant seeds 3-5cm deep to keep them moist and protect them from birds. This depth also aids in their emergence.

Field Management Practices

Proper field management is crucial for a healthy green gram crop. Here’s your guide to essential practices:

Weed Control

Start weeding early to protect your young plants:

• First wedding: 2 weeks after germination
• Second wedding: 5 weeks after germination
• Minimize weeding during flowering to avoid disturbing the plants
• Consider using pre-planting herbicides like CLAMPDOWN 480SL (200ml/20L) to reduce weed pressure

Plant Care and Maintenance

Regular crop maintenance ensures healthy growth:

• Thin out weak seedlings within the first two weeks
• Keep only the strongest plants at the recommended spacing
• Apply mulch around plants to:
  • Retain soil moisture
  • Control weed growth
  • Improve soil structure
  • Regulate soil temperature

Crop Rotation

Plan your rotation schedule carefully:

• Avoid planting green grams in the same field consecutively
• Rotate with cereals like maize or sorghum
• Allow at least one season between green gram plantings
• This practice helps:
  • Prevent soil depletion
  • Break pest and disease cycles
  • Improve soil fertility

Water Management

Monitor moisture levels throughout the growing season:

• Ensure consistent irrigation during dry spells
• Pay special attention during:
  • Flowering stage
  • Pod formation stage
• Avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root diseases

Pest and Disease Management

What You Need to Know About Pest Control

Before we dive into specific pests, here are some basics every farmer should know:

• Check your crop at least twice a week
• Look under leaves and at the base of plants
• Early morning is the best time to spot most pests
• Keep records of what you find and what treatments work
• Always wear protective gear when applying chemicals

Common Pests and How to Fight Them

1. Cutworms

What they look like:

• Brown or black caterpillars
• Usually hide in the soil during day
• Come out at night to feed

How to spot damage:

• Young plants cut at soil level
• Plants falling over
• Missing seedlings

How to control them:

1. Before planting:
   • Treat seeds with SHIELD 600FS (mix 3ml per 1kg of seeds)
   • This creates protection from day one
2. If you spot damage:
   • Drench soil around plants with either:
   • PROFILE 440EC (mix 60ml in 20L water) OR
   • PENTAGON 50EC (mix 20ml in 20L water)

2. Aphids

What they look like:

• Small green or black insects
• Usually cluster together
• Found on leaves and stems

Signs of infestation:

• Curled, twisted leaves
• Sticky substance on leaves (honeydew)
• Black sooty mold on leaves
• Weak plant growth

Step-by-step control:

1. First response:
   • Spray with KINGCODE ELITE 50EC (10ml in 20L water)
   • Cover all plant parts, especially under leaves
2. For heavy infestations:
   • Alternate with LEXUS 247SC (8ml in 20L water)
   • Spray every 7-14 days as needed
3. Clean-up:
   • Remove sooty mold with JAMBO CLEAN (100ml in 20L water)
   • This helps plants photosynthesize better

3. Bean Flies

How to identify:

• Adult flies are small and black
• Larvae are tiny white maggots
• Look for swollen stems and yellowing leaves

Protection strategy:

1. Preventive measures:
   • Treat seeds before planting
   • Use SHIELD 600FS (3ml per kg of seeds)
2. If you spot damage:
   • Drench soil with EMERALD 200SL (20ml in 20L water)
   • Spray plants with KINGCODE ELITE 50EC (10ml in 20L water)

Major Diseases and Their Management

1. Powdery Mildew

How to identify:

• The white powder-like coating on leaves
• Starts as small spots
• Spreads to cover entire leaves

Control steps:

1. At first sign:
   • Spray with RANSON 600WP (15ml in 20L water)
   • Ensure complete coverage of affected areas
2. Prevention:
   • Space plants properly
   • Remove affected leaves
   • Avoid overhead irrigation

2. Yellow Mosaic

Identification:

• Yellow patches on leaves
• Stunted growth
• Small, yellow pods

Management approach:

1. Prevent whiteflies (they spread the virus):
   • Spray TAURUS 500SP (10g in 20L water)
   • Keep field free of weeds
2. If disease appears:
   • Remove affected plants
   • Increase spacing between remaining plants
   • Control whiteflies aggressively

Important Tips for Spraying

Follow these steps for effective pest and disease control:

1. Before spraying:
   • Mix pesticides with INTEGRA (3ml per 20L)
   • This helps chemicals stick to plants better
   • Always wear protective gear
2. When to spray:
   • Early morning or late evening
   • When there’s no wind
   • Not before expected rain
3. How to spray:
   • Cover both sides of leaves
   • Focus on problem areas
   • Don’t mix different chemicals unless recommended
4. After spraying:
   • Mark the date on your calendar
   • Note which chemical you used
   • Plan next spray if needed
   • Observe withdrawal periods before harvest

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Implement these strategies for sustainable pest control:

• Use resistant varieties when available
• Maintain proper plant spacing
• Practice regular field monitoring
• Apply organic pesticides as first defense
• Use chemical controls only when necessary
• Maintain beneficial insect populations
• Practice good field sanitation

Fertilizer and Nutrient Management

Soil Testing

• It evaluates soil nutrients and informs fertilizer application.

Basal Fertilization

• At planting, apply DAP fertilizer or well-decomposed manure. This provides key nutrients for early growth.

Top Dressing

• About 4-5 weeks after germination, use CAN (Calcium Ammonium Nitrate) or foliar fertilizers. This boosts growth and increases yields.

Micronutrient Needs

• For strong pods and healthy growth, green grams need phosphorus, calcium, and potassium.

Organic Fertilizers

• Manure and compost improve soil fertility, structure, and moisture. They do this naturally.

Pest and Disease Management

Common Pests & Control Measures

1. Cutworms – Apply SHIELD 600FS (3ml/kg) and PROFILE 440EC (60ml/20L).
2. Aphids – Spray KINGCODE ELITE 50EC (10ml/20L) or LEXUS 247SC (8ml/20L).
3. Pod Sucking Bugs – Spray EMERALD 200SL (10ml/20L) or LOYALTY 700WDG (5g/20L).
4. Pod Borers – Spray LEXUS 247SC (8ml/20L) or KINGCODE ELITE 50EC (10ml/20L).
5. Whiteflies – Spray TAURUS 500SP (10g/20L) or PROFILE 440EC (30ml/20L).
6. Thrips – Spray ALONZE 50EC (5ml/20L) or DEFENDER 25EW (40ml/20L).
7. Bean Flies – Treat seeds with SHIELD 600FS (3ml/kg) and spray KINGCODE ELITE 50EC (10ml/20L).

Common Diseases & Control Measures

1. Damping Off – Apply PYRAMID 700WP (100g/20L).
2. Anthracnose – Spray RANSOM 600WP (15g/20L) or ABSOLUTE 375SC (10ml/20L).
3. Powdery Mildew – Spray DOMAIN 250EC (10ml/20L).
4. Bacterial Blight – Apply GREENCOP 500WP (50g/20L).
5. Rust – Spray MILESTONE 250SC (10ml/20L).
6. Yellow Mosaic Virus – Control whiteflies by spraying TAURUS 500SP (10g/20L).

Weed Control

• Weeds compete for nutrients, water, and space. Before planting, spray CLAMPDOWN 480SL (200ml/20L) to reduce weed growth.
• Minimize weeding during flowering to avoid disturbing the crop.

Maturity, Harvesting & Storage

Maturity Signs

• Leaves turn yellow.
• Pods dry out and become brown.

Harvesting Time

• Green grams are ready for harvesting 60–90 days after planting, depending on the variety.

Harvesting Methods

• Manual Picking: Ripe pods are hand-picked to minimize damage to the plant.
• Uprooting Entire Plants: Suitable for larger fields but requires careful handling to avoid seed loss.

Drying

• After harvesting, green grams should be sun-dried for 2–3 days to reduce moisture content.
• Proper drying prevents spoilage and ensures the seeds are ready for storage or sale.

Storage

• Store dried green grams in dry, airtight containers to protect them from moisture and insect damage.
• Proper storage extends shelf life and maintains seed quality, ensuring better market value.

Economic Potential and Market Opportunities

Green grams (mung beans) offer great economic potential and market opportunities for farmers in Kenya. The crop is popular due to its high demand in local and export markets, making it a profitable choice for smallholder farmers. Current market prices for green grams range from Ksh 100 to 200 per kg, depending on quality. This price range provides a good return on investment for producers.

Value Addition

Farmers can process green grams into various products, such as flour, snacks, and animal feed. This processing increases their market value and appeal. It also meets local dietary needs and targets niche markets.

Export Opportunities

There is a high demand for green grams in countries like India, China, and Europe. As global awareness of the nutritional benefits of legumes grows, Kenyan farmers can tap into these markets.

The mix of local consumption and export potential shows the economic viability of green gram farming. With proper investment in production practices and value addition, farmers can boost their incomes and support food security in Kenya.

Challenges and Solutions in Green Grams Farming

Challenges

1. Climate Variability: Irregular rainfall and extreme weather reduce crop yields. Changes in climate patterns may further affect key growing regions.
2. Pests and Diseases: Common issues include pests like aphids and diseases such as yellow mosaic virus. Poor crop rotation exacerbates these problems.
3. Water Scarcity: Dependence on rain-fed agriculture makes crops vulnerable to droughts. This vulnerability delays maturity and increases pest risks.
4. Soil Degradation: Unsustainable farming practices harm soil health, leading to lower fertility and reduced yields.
5. Post-Harvest Losses: Poor storage and handling result in significant losses after harvest, affecting both quantity and quality.
6. Market Access: Limited access to organised markets creates price uncertainties. This uncertainty discourages investment in green gram farming.

Solutions

1. Climate-Smart Agriculture: Soil conservation, efficient water use, and drought-resistant crops help farmers adapt to climate changes and increase productivity.
2. Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Using IPM reduces reliance on chemical pesticides. This approach supports sustainable pest control and improves crop health.
3. Irrigation Infrastructure: Investing in irrigation lessens dependence on rainfall. This ensures a steady water supply and stable production.
4. Farmer Education: Training in best practices, post-harvest handling, and market access helps farmers boost yields and reduce losses.
5. Enhanced Storage Facilities: Better storage solutions lower post-harvest losses. They help maintain the quality and quantity of produce.
6. Market Development: Improving access to structured markets and fair prices motivates farmers to invest in green gram farming.

Conclusion

Growing green grams in Kenya is a key way to improve food security and drive economic growth. Farmers can fight climate change, pests, and access issues by using sustainable methods. Innovations in managing crops and adding value can significantly boost yields and profits. With rising demand for green grams, Kenyan farmers have a great chance. This is true both locally and abroad. Their work supports a strong and resilient agricultural sector.

Frequently Asked Questions