International Journal of Horticulture, 2026, Vol.16, No.2, 68-76 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/ijh 70 3 Results and Analysis 3.1 Descriptive statistics of household and income variables The results show that bean-producing households had an average family size of 6.15 members (Table 1). On average, 2.42 members per household were actively involved in agriculture, indicating reliance on family labor alongside hired labor. The mean age of the farmers was 43.02 years, suggesting that production is mainly managed by middle-aged, experienced farmers. The average annual household income was NPR 1,041,800, of which agriculture contributed NPR 624,200, highlighting farming as a major income source. Table 1 Descriptive statistics of household and income variables Variable Unit Mean SD Min Max Family members Number of members 6.15 1.81 2 10 Active members involved in agriculture Number of members 2.42 1.14 1 5 Age Years 43.02 6.03 29 67 Total income NPR 1,041,800 499,176 160,000 4,500,000 Agriculture income NPR 624,200 563,677 60,000 3,200,000 Note: SD = Standard deviation; Min = Minimum; Max = Maximum; NPR = Nepalese Rupee 3.2 Cost of production of French bean The results reveals that the variable costs accounted for almost the entire cost of cultivation (99.64%), indicating a labor- and input-intensive production system. Among the variable cost components, labor cost was the dominant expense constituting 45.32% of the total cost (Table 2). This was followed by expenditures on organic manure (24.71%), land preparation (14.94%), and seeds (14.66%), suggesting that soil fertility management and field operations also require substantial investment. It emphasizes that production costs are largely driven by variable inputs, particularly labor, and that any increase in labor efficiency or access to improved inputs could reduce the cost of cultivation and improve farm profitability Table 2 Cost of production of French bean per ropani Particulars Cost (NRs.) Percentage (%) of total cost Variable cost Seed 1,665 14.66 Organic manure 2,805 24.71 Land preparation 1,696 14.94 Labour cost 5,144 45.32 Total variable cost (A) 11,310 99.64 Fixed cost Land tax 40 0.36 Total fixed cost (B) 40 0.36 Total cost (A+B) 11,350 100 3.3 Price of French beans It reveals that the average farmgate price of French beans was NRs. 202/kg while the market price was NRs. 260/kg, resulting in a price margin of NRs. 58/kg (Table 3). Price variability was greater at the farm level than in the market, highlighting challenges in price stability and the need for better market access and information for the farmers. Table 3 Price of French beans Price Observations Mean Std. Dev. Farmgate price (Rs) 100 202 15 Market price (Rs) 100 260 7.5
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