Online Reporter
Word from the Market
Tina Nleya
As farmers plan for the 2026 farming season, one key question continues to arise: Which crops offer reliable returns while remaining easy to grow, even for beginners?
Over the past two weeks, we have explored various agricultural ventures farmers can consider this year.
One crop that consistently stands out for both new and seasoned farmers is the sugar bean.
Sugar bean is more than just a staple on the Zimbabwean table. It is a strategic crop that combines nutrition, soil health and profitability.
Its short growing season, strong market demand, and ability to improve soil fertility make it an attractive option for farmers across the country, regardless of scale.
In Zimbabwe, sugar bean is the most consumed legume, accounting for about 30 percent of total legume consumption nationally.
This strong demand, coupled with good prices and relatively low production costs, makes sugar bean a crop worth serious consideration in 2026.
The importance of sugar bean in farming systems
Sugar bean plays a critical role in household nutrition and national food security.
With a protein content ranging between 15 and 25 percent, it provides an affordable and accessible source of plant protein, especially in communities where access to animal protein is limited.
For farmers, this nutritional value translates into steady demand throughout the year.
Equally important is sugar bean’s contribution to soil fertility. As a legume, sugar bean fixes atmospheric nitrogen into the soil through its root system.
This can be enhanced by dressing the seed with rizhobia which is available from Soil Productivity Laboratory at Grasslands in Marondera. This natural process enriches the soil and reduces dependence on costly nitrogen fertilisers.
Farmers who include sugar bean in their crop rotation often notice improved yields in subsequent crops such as maize, wheat, or sorghum. In this way, sugar bean supports both immediate income and long-term soil productivity.
Ease of production and a short growing cycle
One of the major advantages of sugar bean is its relatively short growing season.
The crop typically matures within 90 to 120 days, allowing farmers to fit it comfortably into their cropping calendar.
This is particularly useful in areas with shorter rainfall seasons or for farmers who wish to plant a second crop.
Sugar bean performs well in a wide range of agro-ecological regions, provided the soil is well drained. It does not require complex equipment or excessive labour, making it suitable for smallholder farmers, communal farmers, and even urban and peri-urban producers. Because of its manageable growth habit, sugar bean is an excellent entry crop for beginner farmers who are still gaining confidence in crop production.
For seasoned farmers, it provides an opportunity to diversify production while keeping costs under control.
High returns and strong market demand
From an economic standpoint, sugar bean offers an attractive return on investment.
Production costs are moderate, especially when farmers apply good agronomic practices and make use of organic matter.
The crop’s consistent demand ensures that farmers rarely struggle to find a market.
Sugar beans are selling at prices ranging between US$30 and US$35 per 20-litre bucket in various markets across the country.
For a good crop, a farmer can expect yields of 2 to 3 tonnes/hectare. These prices make sugar bean a viable income source, particularly for farmers producing surplus beyond household needs.
In the domestic market, sugar beans are a staple food source for many households, driving consistent demand throughout the year.
The crop can be sold at open markets such Mbare Musika, to supermarkets, non-governmental organisations and through contract farming schemes. Sugar beans is also highly consumed at schools particularly boarding schools and this presents a market for farmers.
Another advantage is the crop’s good storage qualities.
When properly dried and stored, sugar beans can be kept for extended periods without significant loss of quality.
This allows farmers to avoid distress sales and to sell when prices are favourable, further improving profitability.
Land preparation and planting practices
Successful sugar bean production begins with proper land preparation. Fields should be well cleared of weeds and residues, then ploughed to create a fine, firm seedbed.
Good drainage is essential, as sugar bean does not tolerate waterlogged conditions.
Planting should be done before the onset of the rainy season under irrigation or mid season to ensure good germination and early crop establishment.
Seeds are planted at a shallow depth to promote uniform emergence. Correct spacing is important to reduce competition between plants, improve air circulation, and minimise disease pressure. Although sugar bean fixes its own nitrogen, basal fertiliser is applied where soils to support early growth.
Excessive nitrogen fertiliser should be avoided, as it can promote excessive leaf growth at the expense of pod formation.
Crop management and weed control
The early stages of sugar bean growth are critical. Weeds compete aggressively with young plants for moisture, nutrients, and sunlight. Farmers are advised to carry out timely weeding within the first four to six weeks after emergence to allow the crop to establish properly. Once the crop is established, sugar bean generally requires minimal intervention.
Regular field inspections are important to monitor crop health and detect problems early.
Good field hygiene, including the removal of diseased plants and crop residues, helps to maintain a healthy crop throughout the season.
Pest control: Safeguarding yield and quality
While sugar bean is relatively resilient, it can be affected by pests such as aphids, bean flies and pod borers.
These pests can reduce yields and affect grain quality if not managed properly.
Integrated pest management is strongly recommended. This includes early planting, crop rotation, proper field sanitation and regular scouting. Healthy, well-managed crops are less susceptible to severe pest damage.
Where pest pressure becomes significant, farmers may use recommended pesticides and fungicides responsibly, following label instructions and observing pre-harvest intervals.
Responsible pesticide use not only protects the crop but also safeguards the environment and consumer health.
A reliable crop for 2026 and beyond
Sugar bean continues to be a reliable crop due to its wide consumption across all income groups. Demand comes from households, informal traders, wholesalers, processors, and institutions, providing farmers with multiple marketing channels.
For beginner farmers, sugar bean offers a low-risk entry point into commercial farming.
For experienced farmers, it strengthens crop rotation systems, improves soil fertility, and provides consistent income.
As farmers make decisions for the 2026 season, sugar bean remains a smart, practical, and profitable choice. Its ease of production, short growing cycle, strong market demand, and soil-enhancing properties make it suitable for farmers across the country.
In an environment where farmers must balance productivity, sustainability, and profitability, sugar bean stands out as a crop that truly delivers.
For those looking to grow wisely, protect their soils and earn reliable income, sugar bean remains a crop worth planting.
Tina Nleya is AMA’s marketing and public relations manager. She can be contacted on email: [email protected]. Word From The Market is a column produced by AMA to promote market-driven production.
Bongani Ndlovu