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French beans, also called green beans or snap beans, are a well-known and healthy vegetable grown in many parts of India. They are full of protein, vitamins, and fibre, which makes them good for health. At the same time, they are also a profitable crop for farmers. Even small and medium-sized farmers can grow French beans easily if they follow the correct farming steps.
In this blog, we will explain the simple and clear process of French bean farming in India.
To grow French beans successfully, you need to follow some important steps. Below is a full explanation to help you start farming easily:
First, choose soil that is loamy, fertile, and drains water well. French beans do not grow well in soil where water stays for a long time. Plough the field 2 to 3 times to make the soil soft and to remove weeds. You can also add compost or old farmyard manure to make the soil healthy. After that, level the field properly and make beds or ridges as per your water system.
To do all this work, the Massey Ferguson 242 DI is a very good tractor. It has a powerful 42 HP engine, a 1700 kg lifting capacity, and a 47-litre fuel tank, which makes it perfect for farming tasks. Also, the Massey Ferguson 241 DI price ranges from Rs. 6.73 lakh to Rs. 7.27 lakh in India.
French beans like to grow in areas with cool and soft weather. The best temperature for growing this crop is between 18°C and 25°C. In India, French beans are mostly grown during the Rabi season (October to January) and the Kharif season (June to September). In some places with pleasant weather, they can also be grown during summer.
It is important to choose good-quality seeds that are strong against diseases and give a good yield. Some common varieties grown in India are Contender, Arka Komal, Arka Suvidha, and Pusa Parvati. Use 25 to 30 kg of seeds per hectare. Before sowing, treat the seeds with a fungicide to protect them from diseases in the soil.
Sow the seeds directly into the field at a depth of 3 to 5 cm. Keep a row space of 45 to 60 cm and a plant space of 10 to 15 cm. This gives the plants enough room to grow well and makes it easier to take care of the crop.
Water is very important, especially when the plants are growing and during the flowering stage.
Give light water after sowing and then water every 7 to 10 days, depending on how much moisture is in the soil and the weather. Avoid giving too much water, as French beans do not like standing water. If possible, drip irrigation is a smart way to give even water and save resources.
To help the crop grow better, use both natural and chemical fertilizers. Add 10 to 15 tons of well-rotted farmyard manure per hectare before sowing.
As a base dose, apply 20 to 30 kg of nitrogen, 60 kg of phosphorus, and 30 kg of potash per hectare. After 25 to 30 days, you can give a small extra dose of nitrogen. But do not use too much nitrogen, as it will grow more leaves and fewer pods.
Weeds take up space and nutrients meant for the French beans. So, remove weeds regularly, especially when the plants are still young. You can do manual weeding after 15 to 20 days, and again after 35 to 40 days of sowing. Use a hand tool or a small hoe. For larger farms, safe herbicides can be used, but only after taking advice from a farming expert.
French beans can be affected by pests like aphids, whiteflies, and pod borers. They can also get diseases like powdery mildew, rust, and anthracnose. Use neem-based sprays or the right insecticides to control pests. Do not spray chemicals during the flowering time.
To prevent diseases, make sure your field has good airflow and does not give too much water. Use fungicides only when necessary, and always follow safety instructions or expert advice.
French beans are usually ready to pick 45 to 60 days after sowing, depending on the season and variety. Harvest the pods when they are green, long, and soft, before the seeds inside become hard. Pick the beans every 2 to 3 days to get the best quality. If you wait too long, the beans lose taste and their market value goes down.
To carry beans from the field to the market or storage, farmers can use tractors. One great option is the Massey Ferguson TAFE 30 DI Orchard Plus, which is very helpful for small and medium farms. It has 30 HP power, a 1100 kg lifting capacity, and a compact size that makes it easy to move in small spaces. Moreover, the massey ferguson tractor price starts from Rs. 5.61 lakh.
Overall, French bean farming in India is easy, quick, and profitable when done with proper care. You do not need a big investment, and the crop grows fast. By preparing the land well, choosing good seeds, and managing water, fertilizers, and pests properly, farmers can grow excellent-quality beans. If you are planning to start vegetable farming, French beans are a smart and easy crop to begin with.
