Dry bean value chain covering certified seed, production, post harvest drying, grading and storage for domestic and export markets.
Explore the 6 stages that make up the Beans value chain.
Producers access certified dry bean seed varieties selected for yield, protein content and market preferred grain colour. Certified seed ensures genetic purity and reduces incidence of seed borne diseases that affect stand establishment.
Beans are cultivated under dryland or irrigated systems depending on regional rainfall. Timely weed control, pest monitoring and nitrogen management influence pod fill and final grain yield, directly impacting farmer income.
Mature bean plants are mechanically harvested or hand pulled and left to dry in windrows before threshing. Proper drying reduces moisture to safe storage levels, preventing mould development and quality deterioration during storage.
Harvested beans are cleaned to remove stones, broken seeds and foreign material, then graded by size and colour uniformity. Graded beans meet supermarket specifications and command premium prices compared to ungraded bulk sales.
Beans are stored in moisture proof bags or silos with temperature control to prevent weevil infestation and maintain nutritional quality. Effective storage allows producers to delay sales and capture seasonal price peaks.
Cleaned and packaged beans are distributed through retail chains, wholesale markets and export channels. Cooperative marketing enables smallholders to aggregate volumes, negotiate better prices and access formal markets with stringent quality requirements.