1. Productivity and Popularity:
   • Rosecoco beans have been admired for their productivity since ancient times.
   • They have established a significant presence in the Kenyan cereal market.
   • Both rural and urban farmers have found Rosecoco farming to be lucrative.
2. Low Production Costs:
   • Among bean farming varieties, Rosecoco beans are known for their low production costs.
   • They require minimal attention from farmers, primarily planting and weeding.
3. Strong Disease Resistance:
   • Rosecoco beans are rated to have strong disease resistance.
   • They can withstand various common bean diseases, reducing the need for intensive disease management practices.
4. Adaptability to Kenyan Climatic Conditions:
   • Rosecoco beans adapt well to the climatic conditions in Kenya.
   • They thrive in various regions across the country, making them suitable for diverse farming environments.

Where to Grow Rosecoco in Kenya?

1. Preferred Variety:
   • Rosecoco beans are the principal variety preferred by farmers in Kenya.
2. Planting Conditions:
   • Beans can be planted anywhere in Kenya as long as the seasons allow and the soil has excellent drainage.
3. Weather Considerations:
   • Favorable weather conditions are crucial for the beans to thrive; otherwise, farmers might suffer losses.
4. Soil Fertility:
   • Poor soil fertility can result in lower yields or necessitate more frequent application of top dressing fertilizers.
5. Soil Suitability:
   • Rosecoco beans may not survive in waterlogged areas.
   • Sandy soils may lead to poor performance.
6. Regions of Flourishing:
   • Rosecoco beans flourish in various regions of Kenya, including but not limited to:
     • Western region
     • Central region
     • Nyanza region
     • Eastern region
     • Some parts of the Northern region
     • Rift Valley region.

Planting

1. Preparation of Bedding:
   • Rosecoco beans require bedding of compost manure mixed well with soil.
2. Planting Method:
   • Holes can be dug about 3-5cm deep or in a single row.
3. Seeding:
   • Farmers can place 2 to 3 seeds in the same hole.
4. Spacing:
   • Spacing should be 15 to 20cm apart within the row.
   • Between rows, the spacing should be 40 to 45cm.
5. Season for Planting:
   • Farmers should be aware of seasons favorable for planting.
   • Rosecoco beans varieties perform well in the spring and summer seasons.
   • Proper timing encourages higher yield.

Rosecoco Farming in Kenya: Harvesting

1. Harvesting Schedule:
   • Proper planting should be done regularly every 2 to 3 weeks to ensure continuous harvesting.
2. Flowering Stage:
   • Beans typically flower between 30 to 40 days after planting.
3. Pod Development:
   • After flowering, pods start bulging.
4. Maturity:
   • Pods reach maturity around two months (60 days) after flowering.
   • Mature pods begin turning reddish.
5. Harvest Time:
   • Harvesting usually occurs between days 65 to 70 after planting.
   • Regular harvesting is encouraged to increase yield.
   • Ready pods are harvested, while green pods are left to mature further.
6. Appearance of Mature Beans:
   • Mature Rosecoco beans appear reddish with dark red patches spread all over the seed.
7. Post-Harvest Handling:
   • Pods may be separated from the bean plant and sold to vendors.
   • Alternatively, farmers may choose to sundry the beans and separate the seeds from the pods later after drying.

Farming Cost and Yield per Acre

Yield Per Acre:

• Most farmers record Rosecoco beans yield per acre to be 7 bags minimum and 10 bags maximum.
• The approximate yield ranges from 630 to 900 kilograms per acre.
• Regular harvesting is essential for realizing maximum yield.

Price of Rosecoco Beans in Kenya (Per 90kg Sack):

• Prices vary depending on the region.
• Nairobi: Approximately Ksh. 7,000
• Kisumu: Approximately Ksh. 8,800
• Eldoret: Approximately Ksh. 9,900
• Mombasa: Approximately Ksh. 6,200
• Nakuru: Approximately Ksh. 8,500
• Average: Approximately Ksh. 8,080
• Prices are influenced by demand and production costs.
• Prices fluctuate throughout the year based on market demand.
• Rosecoco beans command higher prices due to high demand and widespread cultivation across Kenya.