How To Start & Manage A Profitable Beans Farming Business In Nigeria

Are you interested in learning how to start & manage a profitable beans farming business in Nigeria? You are in the right place!

Beans farming is one of the most economically viable agricultural businesses in Nigeria which employs a level of sustainable development practice. With population growth and the hunger for healthy food, beans sometimes called cowpeas or “ewa” in Yoruba have found their way into Nigerian cuisine.

This is a complete analysis of how to start & manage a profitable beans farming business in Nigeria.

We will tackle every issue you encounter from getting the most appropriate variety of beans, land preparation, planting, pest and disease control, harvesting, and sale.

Also See: The Secrets Of Grasscutter Farming Business In Nigeria

What Are Beans?

Beans are classified as legumes and are members of the Fabaceae family, also called Phaseolus vulgaris; they are a good source of protein, dietary fiber, and complex carbohydrates.

Beans are among the staple food crops in Nigeria and Africa and they are grown on a large scale for food, animal feed, and export.

They include but are not limited to, black beans, navy beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans.

Why Beans Farming?

Before we dive deeper into how to start & manage a profitable beans farming business in Nigeria, let us first of all see the reasons why we need to farm beans.

High Demand

Beans are one of the popular food items in Nigerian households and are eaten by millions the world over.

They find use in making moi moi, akara, and bean porridge among other native delicacies.

The supply of beans is still insufficient, that is much reason the price of beans keeps going up and the good news is that one can easily grow it profitably.

Nutritional Value

Beans contain protein, a necessary element for body growth and development.

They have a lot of relevant fiber, vitamins, and mineral nutrients.

Soil Health

Beans are legumes, which means that they have the characteristic of nitrogen-fixing in the soil. Thus, the fertility of the soil is augmented, and less dependence on chemical fertilizers which makes bean farming eco-friendly.

Food Security

The cultivation of beans is beneficial to food security since it offers a source of protein that can be consumed by both humans and animals.

Employment

Bean farming offers opportunities for employment for both skilled and unskilled labourers, which contributes to a reduction in the overall rate of unemployment in the country.

Crop Rotation

In the context of crop rotation, the cultivation of beans can be used as a method of crop rotation, which helps to reduce soil erosion and increase soil fertility.

Health Benefits

Beans include antioxidants, which provide some health benefits, including a reduction in the risk of developing chronic diseases such as diabetes and cancer.

Understanding the Beans Market in Nigeria

Beans are grown in different parts of the country, with the foremost production areas being Kaduna, Bauchi, Kano, Niger, Plateau and Taraba.

The beans market in Nigeria has been driven largely by the high value placed on beans, both as a food item and for the food processing businesses.

There is an increase in the urban consumption of beans: Over the years, the increase in population in urban centers in Nigeria has caused an increase in demand for fast and simple meal options such as beans.

This has led to a heightened need for processed bean products including peeled beans and bean flour.

Increasing demand for beans outside the county: Also, there has been a growing appetite for Nigerian beans in export markets, more so in Europe and Asia. This is because of the nutritive and high-quality product that Nigerian beans are and the relatively low price in the market when compared to beans from other countries.

Government patronage: There are policies for the increasing appreciation and promotion of the beans grown in Nigeria as well as the growing of other essential crops in a bid to cut down the importation of food by the country.

This has led to more funding being channeled towards the industry and more produce to the farmers.

Market Opportunities

Introduction of new products: With strong consideration to consumer needs and preferences, there is potential for the introduction of other additional products like baked beans and bean snacks which are healthy and convenient to use on the go.

Working together with international customers: Exporters and producers of Nigerian beans may consider making partnerships with foreign customers which require for example organic or non-GMO or particular types of beans or specific labeling.

Types of Beans to Farm in Nigeria

Several types of beans can be farmed in Nigeria, including:

1. Iron Beans (White and Brown Beans)
2. Cowpea: These are gaining popularity due to their high protein content and versatility.
3. Soybean: These are legumes that are high in protein and are used to make soy milk, tofu, and other foods. It’s also used to add protein to animal feed.
4. Kidney beans: These are in high demand due to their nutritional value and use in various dishes.
5. Black beans

Step-by-Step Guide to Starting Beans Farming

Step 1: Choose the Right Variety

The first step is to select the right varieties of beans for farming.

Some popular varieties grown in Nigeria are:

Drum: Notable for its yield, allows for pest resistance

Sokoto white: Considered better because of flavor and cooking quality.

Brown beans (Olotu): Commonly used in dishes across Nigerians.

Choose a variety that is most appropriate to the climatic, environmental, and soil conditions in the area of residence.

Hybrid seeds tend to produce a greater yield than the open seeds variety.

They also withstand many diseases and insects.

Step 2: Land Preparation

Beans perform best in lightly sandy loam soils with a pH range of 6.0-7.5.

Clear your land of any weeds, rubbish, and stones to prepare the land.

Loosen the soil to a depth of 15-20 centimetres by ploughing the field.

After ploughing operations, it is necessary to harrow the soil and then perform ridge or bed formation on the soil. The presence of ridges or beds on the farmland is not particularly essential although it can help in improving the output in the process of culturing beans.

To improve the soil, you may also add organic fertilizer or compost.

Step 3: Planting Phase

Beans can be planted directly in the field or as transplants.

Here are some tips concerning bean planting:

• Timing: Beans should be planted during the commencement of the rainy season (April to June) or should also be planted in the second rainy season (August to September).
• Spacing: Bean seeds should be planted about 5cm deep, and the spacing maintained should be 30 cm between the rows and plants at 10 cm.
• Seeds: Plant premium seed tested and certified to increase plant germination rates and vigor.

Step 4: Watering

Beans need sufficient water to grow, but they do not tolerate waterlogging.

Make sure your farm is well drained to prevent waterlogging. In the dry period, irrigation should be performed to make the field moist.

Step 5: Fertilization

Applying fertilizers which consist of potash and phosphorus are of great advantage to beans and therefore should be applied.

A compound fertilizer of 20-30 kg per hectare should be applied before planting at a balanced ratio.

To plant beans, the type of fertilizers needed should have high phosphatic content. Examples are Single Super Phosphate (SSP) fertilizer or Diammonium Phosphate (DAP).

You can also use a little bit of Muriate of Potash (MOP) at the flowering stage of the cowpea. Avoid high nitrogenous fertilizer as this can negatively impact your bean crop.

Step 6: Pest and Disease Management

Vegetables, beans in particular are attacked by some pests and diseases including:

Aphids: The very small-bodied animals that affect bean plants in terms of plant sap due to the absorption of stem leaves and other parts.

Bean fly: This invasive pest develops eggs specifically on the leaves while the larvae invade the plant near the base on the stalks which wilts and eventually kills the plant.

Root rot: This is a disease resulting from fungi infections in the root system which causes root rot, dwarfism in the plant, and yellowish color on the leaves.

To control the pests and disease take measures such as crop rotation, growing resistant varieties, and applying pesticides and fungicides as necessary.

Step 7: Weeding

The untamed flora sucks away essential nutrients, moisture, and sunlight reserves from bean plants. To save your beans farm from undesirable plants it is essential to control weeds effectively.

There is also the benefit of mulching in reducing the sprouting of other plants and water retention in the soil.

Step 8: Harvesting

When the pods are dry and brown then it is safe to say that the beans are due for harvesting.

The harvest can be done through handpicking or mechanical harvesters.

Make sure to dry the beans properly after harvest so as to limit the amount of moisture content and avoid growing molds.

Step 9: Post–Harvest Handling

There are several steps that must be taken after harvesting in order to maintain the quality of the bean grains. These steps include:

Threshing: This involves removing the beans present from their hulls using a piece of equipment called a threshing machine or by hand.

Cleaning: the next step is to sort the rest of the seed and clean up all the foreign debris dirt and defective seeds to have a quality product.

Drying: To avoid the beans becoming spoilt while in storage, it is necessary to reduce the amount of moisture in them to below that of 10 – 12%.

Storage: The storage of the beans is done in cool and dry areas using airtight containers or bags to keep pests and humidity away from them.

Step 10: Promotion

You stand the chance of making good returns if the marketing of your beans is done in the most desirable way.

Consider the following suggestions for marketing of your beans:

• Local Markets: Offer your beans for sale in local marketplaces, supermarkets, and grocery shops.
• Export: Look into the possibilities of exporting to other countries where a market for Nigerian beans exists.

Online Platforms: Sell your beans online using available online platforms, and social media and targeting individual consumers.

Value Addition: You may wish to add value to your beans by processing them into bean flour, snacks, canned beans, or any other appealing products.

Financial Considerations

Beans farming is a one-time investment that requires the farmer to have some initial capital to buy seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, labor, and equipment.

It is advisable to write down a business plan that outlines all the expenses that will be incurred as well as the profits that can be made after the undertaking.

Farm funding, subsidies, or loans can be accessed where further capital is required.

Challenges and Solutions of Beans Farming

Every business including beans farming at times faces certain challenges. These are some of the challenges and the high-level suggestions for the challenges:

Climate Change: Unanticipated climates can influence a farmer’s yield in crop sowing. Use climate-smarter varieties and promote the culture of organic farming.

Pests and Diseases: Each farmer should be well aware of how to check their farm for pests and diseases and what to do in case they are discovered.

Market Fluctuations: Beans’ prices change as a result of changes in the forces of demand and supply.

Practice crop rotation and grow other crops or do value-addition activities.

Insufficient availability of high-quality seeds: The quality of the seed that is used for planting is extremely important to the success of the crop, and there may be a restricted supply of seeds that are of exceptional quality.

Lack of irrigation: It is difficult to cultivate beans in regions that receive minimal rainfall since the cultivation of beans requires irrigation, and the lack of access to water might make it difficult to cultivate the crop.

Insufficient storage facilities: The absence of sufficient storage facilities might lead to the spoiling and loss of the produce that has been harvested.

Lack of access to credit: It is possible that farmers do not have access to credit to finance their bean farming activities. This can make it difficult for them to acquire inputs, and equipment, and hire labour.

High cost of inputs: Farmers may have a tough time affording inputs due to the high cost of fertilizers, insecticides, and herbicides. This might make it difficult for farmers to grow their crops.

Pests and Diseases of Beans in Nigeria

• Whiteflies
• Bollworm
• Aphids
• Mites
• Grain Borer
• Blight
• Leaf Spot
• Root Not Nematodes
• Brown Rust
• Rhinoceros Beetle and others

Business Opportunities In Beans Farming In Nigeria

Bean farming fancies quite a good number of business opportunities in Nigeria that include:

Food Processing: The transforming of beans into different products for the local and international markets such as flour, paste, power, etc.

Export: Beans can be exported to countries like the UK, US, and Asia where there is a ready market.

Animal Feed: These beans also can be grown to bring in some revenue for manufacturers of animal feed such as poultry and livestock feeds.

Seed production: These beans can also be grown to generate cash from the sale of improved seeds to fellow local farmers and even organizing seed exports.

Value-Added Products: Business deals that involve selling bean-based snacks, cosmetics or medicine is also a good venture.

Farm to Table: Beans can be sold directly after harvest to household for consumption.

Wholesale and Retail: Business enterprises engaged in Wholesale and Retail trade of beans to markets and a consumer supply

Contract Farming: Companies enter into arrangements with farmers to produce beans for them under contract farming with assured market and price fixation.

Organic Beans Production: Growing organic beans for both local and international markets targeting specific groups of people that deal with organic foods.

Beans Farming Training and Consulting: Training of farmers and offering consultants in areas of beans farming where they have expertise.

FAQs- How To Start & Manage A Profitable Beans Farming Business In Nigeria

What is the best month to plant beans in Nigeria?

Weather and the climatic zone are important factors to consider when planting beans in Nigeria. Usually, people plant beans during the rainy season which normally runs from April/May till October/November.

How many months do beans take to mature?

Factors such as climate, soil, and variety contribute to the differences in the maturity period of beans and legumes to be more specific, beans can take between three to six months from planting to harvesting.

Variety of Beans and Their Growth Periods

• Cowpeas: 60-90 days
• Soybeans: 90-120 days
• Kidney beans: 90-120 days
• Black beans: 90-120 days

How many bags of beans per acre?

A few bean farmers we met managed to harvest more than 25 bags of beans per acre, which is equivalent to 100 kilograms per bag. As a result of using ineffective agronomic approaches, we have also encountered bean farmers whose harvest was below 15 bags per acre.

Conclusion: How To Start & Manage A Profitable Beans Farming Business In Nigeria

Having gone through how to start & manage a profitable beans farming business in Nigeria, It is notably clear that bean farming in Nigeria is very rewarding and can be considered a sustainable business.

By following the steps given in this guide, you will manage to commence and operate a beans-farming business successfully.

Do not forget about the selection of varieties, competent land preparation, pest and disease control, and marketing your products.

Are you prepared to explore the beans farming business? Join our community of farmers and get access to expert advice, resources, and support.

Subscribe to our newsletter for updates on new developments in agriculture.

Wish you had a bumper harvest!