Introduction:

French beans as vegetables is of American origin but has become quite popular in India. It is very tasty and also nutritious being leguminous. Its tender beans and matured seeds both are used as vegetable. It is a short duration crop mainly grown in Kharif. But if irrigation facilities are available, it can be grown in Rabi and summer seasons.

 

Climate and Soil :

It is grown in warm climate with temperature range of 250C to 350C and in medium rainfall area (800 to 1000 mm). In high rainfall area, it is grown either in Rabi or summer season.

Medium to light soils are good for this crop with pH of 6-7.
Land preparation:
One ploughing upto medium depth (6"-7") and two harrowings crosswise. Stubble’s, runners of perennial weeds should be collected and destroyed.
Varieties:
  1. Arka Komal
  2. V.L.Boni –1
  3. Contender
  4. Pant Anupama
  5. UPF 191
  6. Tender-green
  7. Kentuky wonder
  8. Waghya, etc.
Sowing:

It is grown throughout the year in three seasons Kharif – June/July, Rabi – October/November and Summer –February/March. Sowing of unirrigated crop is done by drill 45 cm distance. Irrigated crop is taken on ridges and furrows 60 cm apart and seeds are dibbled on both the sides of ridges at 20-30 cm spacing. Seed rate for drilling is 80-90 kg/ha and dibbling 40-50 kg.
Manures and Fertilizers:

20-25 Cartloads of FYM applied at the time of land preparation and mixed properly in the soil. Top dressing with 50 kg Nitrogen, 60 Kg Phosphorus and 60 kg Potash should be done in two doses. Half of nitrogen and full quantity of phosphorus and potash should be given at the time of sowing and remaining nitrogen two weeks after sowing.
Inter culture:
One or two weedings to be given. Crop should be kept weed free.
Irrigation:
Rabi crop – 8-10 days interval (9-10 turns)

Summer crop – 5-6 days interval (total turns 15-16).
Plant protection:

The crop is affected by Anthracnose, powdery mildew, blight, hoppers, Aphids, etc. Seed should be treated with Brassical or Agrosan. Dusting with Carbaryl 10% + 10 kg, 300 mesh sulphur or 500 ml neem extract to be mixed in 100 litre water and sprayed to control the diseases and pests.
Harvesting and Storage:

Beans should be harvested in tender form. Delayed harvest makes beans fibrous and seed is developed, making them unsuitable for consumption. If it is grown for seed, beans should be allowed to mature fully and then harvested.

When the beans are grown for vegetable purpose, they are sold immediately when fresh. Seed can be stored for few months till next season. It is stored in gunny bags or galvanised tin containers structures.
Marketing:

Beans vegetables are sold directly to consumers in village and local markets and through commission agents in wholesale markets to consumers in cities and town. In that case, the beans are packed in small gunny bags or bamboo baskets and transported by tempo or truck.