Unlocking Success in Onion Farming in Kenya: A Guide with Onion Doctor
Are you in need of in-depth knowledge on onion and garlic production? If yes, we are a call away. Our service chatter includes: Onion seedlings, Garlic seedlings, Farm planning services, Soil testing, Drip irrigation installation and maintenance, Agronomic support, Onion and Garlic value pack and Farm management. For free consultation, placing orders or booking a visit with an agronomist, please contact us via Call or what’s app +254703982228, Email: Info@oniondoctor.co.ke.
Explore the exciting world of onion farming in Kenya and learn how to make the most of this profitable venture. Urban areas in Africa offer a thriving market for onions, and with Onion Doctor's expert guidance, you can embark on a successful journey from land preparation to harvest. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the essential steps to maximize your onion yield and ensure a bountiful harvest.
Starting an Onion Farm
Land and water Whether you're a beginner or an experienced farmer, Onion Doctor provides invaluable assistance in starting your onion farm. Onions thrive in well-drained soils of a PH of between 5.8 to 6.8 in a temperature range of 13 degrees Celsius to 35 degrees celsius. They have rainfall requirements of 600mm to 800mm. Irrigation can be used to supplement the water requirements of onions. We Onion Doctor offers drip irrigation kit and drip installation services. For the right water content using drips, feel free to reach to us and of course for a very competitive cost. Our calling to action number is 0703982228. Soil in Onion Farming: Onions perform well in well drained, fertile, sandy loam, non-compacted soils. The ideal pH is 5.8 to 6.8.
Rain-fed Open-field cultivation Onions can be farmed using the open field cultivation method. It grows best at below 1,900m altitude; 500-‐700mm rainfall; 15-‐ 30 ºC temperature range. Land should be ploughed or ripped as deep as possible, and a good seed bed prepared, with all lumps broken up with a disc and smoothened with a roller. . In this system, the plants rely on rainfall for growth. Farmers, therefore, plant according to the rainfall patterns of long or short rains. The onions under this system are planted in an open field and are exposed to natural elements of weather like rain, sunlight, humidity, and temperature.
Drip irrigation in open-field cultivation This method is similar to rain-fed open field cultivation with the only difference being drip irrigation to supplement rainfall. Drip-irrigation consists of dripper lines that deliver precise amounts of water and soil nutrients directly to each plant's root-zone. The result is each plant gets exactly what it needs, when it needs it, to grow optimally. It is the best method to farm onions as there is no dependence on rainfall. Under this system, farmers can time their crops to mature when there is a scarcity of onions in the market. We Onion Doctor offers drip irrigation kit and drip installation services. For the right water content using drips, feel free to reach to us and of course for a very competitive cost.
Products and Services
Red Coach F1 It is a hybrid red bulb fast-maturing variety. Red Coach F1 takes 80 to 90 days after transplanting to reach maturity. These onions are firm and round. They are resistant to pink rot disease. When cured and stored under good conditions, they can stay fresh for up to 3 months.
Neptune F1: Neptune F1, engineered by Amiran Kenya, is a hybrid red bulb variety with a long shelf life of between 5 to six months. It matures after 4 to five months. It has a flattened globe with good pungency. It is commonly used in salads. Red Creole F1 This is a late-maturing variety that takes between 150 to 180 days after transplanting to reach maturity. It performs well in a hot and warm climate. Like most hybrid varieties, it has a deep red color. It is tolerant to pink rot disease.
Red Passion F1: Red Passion F1 is an early maturing onion variety, taking 120 days after transplanting to reach maturity. It grows well in a climate that is cool and wet. It is also tolerant to pink rot disease. Red passion F1 is popular in Kenyan markets because it can be stored for up to 6 months. This gives farmers an opportunity to store and sell when the prices are better.
How to Operate a Onion Farm
Key Activities: Key activities in onion farming are seed selection, nursery development, transplanting, watering, weeding, control of pests and diseases, harvesting, and post-harvest handling. All these activities require strict supervision. Onions are delicate. Therefore, all these key activities must be done by a skilled farm operator. We onion Doctor, offer quality services for a full season of your growing of onions, with our experienced agronomist you can never go wrong, reach to us for more information and quotation on our various services.
Farm Operator: It is ideal that the operator should have some experience in onion farming. In a tele-farming operation, the operator should be given the support of an expert. The farm operator must understand the crop growing schedule of onions. This schedule will inform the operator of all the management practices. We Onion Doctor , we have the best experienced farm operators across the country, who will deliver to the maximum in the full season, we offer teamwork environment.
Supply Chain: Through Onion Doctor you are assured of getting affordable quality inputs When sourcing seeds/ seedlings, it is recommended that you purchase disease-tolerant varieties. Source your seed/seedlings from Onion Doctor. In order to lower the cost of watering, install an irrigation system that's from Onion Doctor for quality.
Onion Doctor supports small holder farmers across Africa with quality and affordable Onion and Garlic seedlings, Onion seedlings, Farm planning services, Soil testing, Drip irrigation installation and maintenance, Agronomic support, Onion and Garlic value pack, Farm management, E-extension and on-farm training for farmers to optimize on yields and get maximum profits.