Madagascar Lima Beans Farming Trials Verdict
It started as a research experiment to see whether the Madagascar Lima Beans can be grown commercially? And our forum had over 200 members signing up receiving 5 bean seeds each for trial farming on a project that ran from January 2024 to August 2024.
So how has been the progress to date?
Our results do show great success from our members dotted around the country. Good harvests recorded especially from those who planted around January and February 2024. An average of 300 grams per plant recorded for beans planted on land and buckets. The good news is that the beans were grown organically (no fertilizer applications).
Frost bite did affect many plants during the winter period but our members who had planted early did register good harvests. Planting in winter is discouraged after witnessing a lot of plants dying due to frost bite.
The surprise success came from bucket planted seeds which was an experiment and the good news is the bucket plants survived frost bite.
Now that most farmers now have seeds for upscale to commercial farming—we are now eagerly awaiting the onset of the next rain season as most of our farmers do not have access to irrigation water.
The best farming period is September to December using experience from last year. The experience gained by our farmers expected to improve yields as they go full commercial with some farming on bigger spaces of land such as farms, plots and rural land.
