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Onion farming in Kenya, particularly in Naivasha, Kajiado, Meru, and Oloitoktok, has emerged as a lucrative endeavor due to high demand and favorable climatic conditions. This comprehensive guide, enriched by insights from Onion Doctor, navigates farmers through the nuances of successful onion cultivation, from land preparation to selecting the right onion varieties.
How to Prepare Land for Onion Farming: Before delving into onion farming, meticulous land preparation is paramount for success. Here’s a step-by-step guide: Choose a Suitable Location: Onions thrive best in altitudes of 500 – 2000M above sea level, and regions with a rainfall of 500 – 700mm. Excess rain can lead to bulb rot, emphasizing the need for a careful selection of the planting location. Soil Requirements: Ensure the soil has good water-holding capabilities and a pH of 6 – 7. Prioritize altitudes and regions that align with these soil conditions.
Land Preparation: Proper land preparation sets the stage for a successful onion harvest. Follow these steps: Early Ploughing and Harrowing: Plough the land at least three weeks before planting and harrow it three times to achieve a fine tilth. Organic Manure Application: Apply at least 40 tonnes of organic manure per acre.
Onion Varieties: Choosing the right onion variety is pivotal for a thriving farming business. Explore these notable varieties: Red Creole Onion: Suited for hot climates, resistant to pink rot, with small to medium bulbs and a yield potential of 15 – 28 tonnes per acre. Ideal for commercial farming.
Red Couch F1: A hybrid, pink rot-resistant variety with medium to dark red bulbs, catering to hotel and catering industry preferences. Requires a capital of 100,000 – 150,000 per acre and yields 20 – 30 tonnes.
Texas Early Grano: With a white gold color and mild pungency, favored by hotels, it matures in 120 days and adapts to various ecological zones.
Red Pinoy: Adaptable to different ecological zones, suitable for export, with a shelf life of six months, resistant to diseases like purple blotch and downy mildew.
Red Passion F1 Onion: A hybrid red onion for low and medium-altitude areas, resistant to diseases, good curing and storage capabilities, maturing in 90 days.
Onion Doctor’s Support for Farmers: Onion Doctor stands as a pillar of support for smallholder farmers, offering a range of services and products to optimize yields and profits: Quality Seedlings: Providing quality and affordable onion and garlic seedlings. Farm Planning Services: Tailored services for effective farm planning. Soil Testing: Precise soil analysis for informed agricultural decisions. Drip Irrigation Installation and Maintenance: High-quality, enduring drip irrigation systems for efficient water use. Agronomic Support: Expert guidance for robust agricultural practices. Onion and Garlic Value Pack: Bundled offerings for enhanced farm productivity. Farm Management: Comprehensive services for effective farm administration. E-extension and On-farm Training: Leveraging technology and on-site training for farmer empowerment.