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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. Unlock the secrets of thriving onion cultivation in Kenya through the game-changing approach of drip irrigation. Onion Doctor, your trusted partner, introduces you to a sustainable and profitable experience in large-scale bulb production. Delve into the advantages, profitability, and essential components of onion drip irrigation farming, transforming arid lands into fertile and productive havens. Step into the world of Onion Doctor, your dedicated companion in onion farming. Learn how Onion Doctor’s expertise and support can elevate your farming journey. Whether you seek guidance on kit selection or comprehensive services, Onion Doctor is here to ensure your success at a competitive price based on your acreage. How profitable is Onion Farming in Kenya? Onion farming is highly profitable, with the current cost of onion bulbs increasing. The growing of onions under drip irrigation is a good venture with a high output when well maintained. An acre of onions can produce 3–6 tonnes of onions under drip irrigation. Advantages of Onion Drip Irrigation Farming Diseases are less spread on onions grown under drip irrigation systems, a better step to lower chemical reliance on insecticides and pesticides. Such diseases as fungal infections and leave burns, cases that can occur on overhead irrigation of onions. Drip irrigation is easier to manage and unlike rainfall or furrow irrigation, you can control the rate of water flow to the onion farms. Onions need water during the planting period, but the ground should be dry when harvesting nears to prevent the bulbs from damage. Therefore, you need to stop irrigation 2–3 weeks before harvesting. Another benefit of working with drip irrigation is the low labour requirement and cheap cost of maintenance. Few labours force is required for simple tasks of opening and closing valves and taps, maintenance and checking the water flow. Onion Drip Kits The components for drip irrigation can include basic drip components to complex drip irrigation kits. The components include: HDPE mainline pipes Sub main line pipes or laterals Drip lines Drip Connectors End caps Ball valves Filters Fertilizer tanks Water tanks Tap connectors Connector fittings Male and female adaptors Thread tape or Glue seal Elbow, clamps or straight connectors. 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.

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. Embark on a journey to successful onion and garlic farming in Kenya, overcoming unique challenges through an integrated weed management program. Discover the significance of tailored weed control strategies and how Onion Doctor’s expertise revolutionizes crop management for smallholder farmers. Explore the intricacies of planting densities, weed competition, and effective pre-planting weed management methods. An integrated weed management program is essential for onion and garlic production because of the unique challenges posed by their planting densities and susceptibility to weed competition. These crops are slow-growing and shallow-rooted, planted at high densities, and susceptible to severe yield loss from weed competition. Their narrow, upright leaves do not compete well with weeds, and their long growing season allows for successive flushes of weeds. Weed control is often challenging in these crops because few herbicides are registered, mechanical cultivation is often limited in high-density plantings, and hand-weeding can be costly. A good integrated weed management plan can increase the ease and effectiveness of these management tactics. Planting densities for onion and garlic pose unique challenges to weed management. These crops are sown at high plant densities and are not thinned to produce the greatest possible yield per acre. Onions are planted with 4 to 10 seed lines on beds that are 40 to 80 inches wide (furrow to furrow), or 36 inches wide in the intermountain area. Garlic is typically planted with 2 to 4 seed lines on 40-inch beds. These planting configurations limit cultivation to the furrow and narrow row middles on the bed top. Emphasis must be placed on techniques that reduce weed pressure before planting, such as the use of the stale seedbed method, weed-free seed, or soil solarization. Any method that reduces the amount of weed seed in the soil will reduce weeding costs during crop production. Another good way to prevent weed problems is to control existing weeds before they go to seed. Weed Management Before Planting Nonchemical control options are primarily limited to the preplant period in onion and garlic production. For most weed control methods, timing is important because small weed seedlings are easier to kill than larger weeds. Crop Rotation With Cover Crops: Cover crops are rarely used in onion and garlic production. However, they can provide a variety of benefits to the crop when used in crop rotations, especially if they are grown in the fall prior to planting Alliums. Timing is the key to whether cover crops promote or inhibit weed growth. If cover crops become established quickly, they will suppress weeds. Adequate seeding rate of the cover crop is also an important factor in providing rapid ground cover and suppressing weeds. Vigorous cover crops that provide complete ground cover in the first 30 days of the cover crop cycle are very competitive with weeds and greatly limit weed growth.  Avoid slow-growing  cover crops, including legumes and many cereal-legume mixes, which allow substantial weed growth and set seed early in the growth cycle of the cover crop. Cover crop residues must have adequate time (at least 3 to 4 weeks) to break down in the soil before planting onion and garlic, which require shallow, precise seeding depth with good seed-to-soil contact. Cover crop residues can increase pressure from certain diseases and insect pests. For example, cover crops can increase seedcorn maggot numbers. If a cover crop is used, incorporate the cover crop three to four weeks before planting onion or garlic to avoid tilling in green residues that attract this pest. Cover crops also have the potential to increase weed pressure for the following reasons. Annual weeds frequently establish themselves at the time of the cover crop. Depending upon the species, weeds can grow in the cover crop and set seed unnoticed. Weeds often decompose before the end of the cover crop cycle, making their detection difficult. In such cases, the cover crops act as nurse crops to weeds, making substantial contribution to the weed seed bank. It is important to monitor your cover crops, particularly in the first 40 days following seeding, to make sure that they are not creating a weed problem for subsequent plantings of onion and garlic. 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.

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. Discover the dynamic world of onion farming in Kenya, where the equatorial location provides a favorable environment for cultivating both long-day and short-day onion varieties. In this comprehensive guide, explore the characteristics of diverse onion types, including the renowned Red Creole, White Lisbon, Sweet, Hybrid, Walla Walla, and Grano onions, each thriving in Kenyan farming conditions. Elevate your onion farming journey with the expert support of Onion Doctor, committed to empowering smallholder farmers across Africa. Kenya’s unique geography allows for the cultivation of both long-day and short-day onions. Long-day onions, requiring extended daylight periods, and short-day onions, thriving with shorter daylight periods, find a suitable home in Kenya’s consistent equatorial conditions. This versatility contributes to the success of onion farming across the nation. Red Creole Onions: Description: A long-day variety, known for its vibrant red hue, excellent storage capabilities, and resistance to diseases and pests. Culinary Uses: Ideal for grilling, roasting, sautéing, salads, and sandwiches. Adaptability: Well-suited for Kenyan farming conditions. White Lisbon Onions: Description: A short-day variety with small, crisp bulbs, excellent storage qualities, and resistance to diseases and pests. Culinary Uses: Perfect for pickling, salads, and sandwiches. Adaptability: Well-suited for Kenyan farming conditions. Sweet Onions: Description: Long-day variety celebrated for its mild, sweet flavor, and reduced pungency. Culinary Uses: Popular in salads, sandwiches, grilling, and roasting. Adaptability: Well-suited for Kenyan farming conditions with high market demand. Hybrid Onions: Description: Genetically modified for disease resistance and increased yield. Culinary Uses: Versatile; suitable for various dishes. Adaptability: Well-suited for Kenyan farming conditions with a high market demand. Walla Walla Onions: Description: Long-day variety prized for its sweet flavor, disease resistance, and excellent storage. Culinary Uses: Ideal for salads, sandwiches, grilling, roasting, and sautéing. Adaptability: Well-suited for Kenyan farming conditions. Grano Onions: Description: Short-day variety with large bulbs and excellent storage capabilities. Culinary Uses: Popular among commercial farmers for maximizing yields. Adaptability: Well-suited for Kenyan farming conditions. Onion Doctor’s Support for Farmers: Elevate your onion farming journey with the dedicated assistance of Onion Doctor. Providing quality and affordable onion and garlic seedlings, farm planning services, soil testing, drip irrigation installation, agronomic support, and on-farm training, Onion Doctor stands as a reliable partner for smallholder farmers across Africa. Optimize yields, enhance profitability, and contribute to sustainable farming practices with Onion Doctor’s comprehensive support.

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. Discover the wealth of opportunities in onion farming in Kenya, a thriving and lucrative business with Onion Doctor. This comprehensive guide covers the key aspects of onion cultivation, from growth and care to harvesting, varieties, and market dynamics. Benefits of Onion Farming in Kenya Onion farming in Kenya has a number of benefits. The most obvious benefit is that you can make money from it. Onion is a crop that has a high demand in the market, and you can get good prices for it. But there are other benefits as well. Onion farming is a good way to diversify your farming portfolio. It is also a good crop to grow in areas where other crops do not do well. And finally, it is a very sustainable crop – you can grow it with very little water and without using pesticides or fertilizers. Market Demand for Onion in Kenya Onion is a very important vegetable crop in Kenya. The country is the largest producer of Onion in the region. Onion is grown all over the country but the main production is from Central, Rift Valley and Eastern provinces. The demand for Onion is very high in the local market. The demand for fresh Onion is higher than that of processed onion. The main consumers of fresh Onion are hotels, restaurants and households. The major buyers of processed Onion are industries such as beverage, canning, flour milling, ice cream and potato chip factories. The price of fresh Onion ranges from 40 to 60 shillings per kilogram while the price of processed Onion ranges from 25 to 45 shillings per kilogram. Different Varieties of Onion to Grow in Kenya There are various types of Onion you can grow in Kenya, depending on your climate and soil conditions. Common varieties of Onion include shallots, red onions, white onions, yellow onions, sweet onions and pickling onions. Shallots tend to have a milder flavor and are often used in salads and other dishes that call for a subtle flavor. Red onions tend to be sharp in flavor, while white onions are a bit milder and sweeter. Yellow onions have the most pungent taste and are best used in sauces or cooked dishes. Sweet onions have the least pungent flavor and can be eaten raw or cooked. Pickling onions have thin skin and small size, making them ideal for pickling or using in salads or relishes. When deciding which variety of Onion to grow in Kenya, consider the type of soil you have available and the climate conditions you’ll experience throughout the year. If you’re unsure what varieties will thrive best, consult with a knowledgeable local farmer for advice on what type of Onion is best suited to your situation. 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.

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 world of spring onion farming in Kenya, where the versatility of these vibrant greens adds a new dimension to agricultural practices. In this detailed guide, we delve into the ecological requirements, yield potential, seed rates, and land preparation techniques for cultivating spring onions. Additionally, discover the invaluable support provided by Onion Doctor, empowering smallholder farmers across Africa with quality and affordable onion and garlic seedlings, expert farm planning, and a range of essential agricultural services. Understanding Spring Onions: Spring onions, scientifically known as Allium fistulosum, present a unique addition to the farming landscape. Also recognized as bunching onions, green onions, or scallions, these crops do not develop bulbs. Instead, their succulent leaves are a culinary delight, enriching salads and various dishes. As a farmer, incorporating spring onions offers a swift maturation period, allowing for profitable intercropping with slower-growing vegetables. Ecological Requirements for Successful Spring Onion Farming: Spring onions showcase remarkable adaptability, thriving in a variety of climates. With a preference for loose, well-drained soils boasting a pH level of 6.3 to 6.8, these crops can endure both heat and cold. While they flourish in full sun, they can tolerate partial shade, making them suitable for diverse agricultural settings. Optimizing Yields: Under optimal management practices, spring onions exhibit a remarkable yield potential of 17 tonnes per hectare, translating to approximately 8 tonnes per acre. This promising output underscores the profitability of spring onion farming when guided by effective farming techniques. Seed Rates and Land Preparation: Determining the seed rate for spring onions is crucial, and with a standard row spacing of 30 cm, 5 kgs of spring onion seeds are recommended per acre. Whether directly planted or initiated in a nursery, spring onions require strategic land preparation for successful cultivation. The choice between direct planting and nursery preparation depends on the desired scallion thickness. Onion Doctor’s Expertise: Empower your spring onion farming venture with the unparalleled support of Onion Doctor. Offering a range of services, including quality onion and garlic seedlings, farm planning, soil testing, drip irrigation installation, agronomic support, and on-farm training, Onion Doctor stands as a reliable partner for smallholder farmers. Enhance your yields, optimize profits, and contribute to sustainable farming practices with Onion Doctor’s dedicated assistance.

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. Delve into the world of onion farming, exploring the nuances of cultivating this versatile vegetable in Kenya. From the distinct types of onions to the essential growth processes, join us on a journey enriched with expert insights from Onion Doctor. Uncover the secrets to successful onion cultivation and maximize your yields with the right knowledge. Bulb onions; take 3 to 4 months to reach maturity. Short rains are great for bulb onions since they can be harvested between January and February. After the long rains of March, the price of these onions hike and farmers who harvest after these period make good profit margins. Spring onions; are easy to plant, you can even plant them at your kitchen garden. They are commonly used in vegetable salads or as seasoning in soups. Some of the health benefits of spring onions include lower blood sugar and decreasing blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Of the two types, bulb onions are more popular than the spring ones due to their long shelf life and sweet taste. Currently, there are two different varieties of bulb onions in the market. There is the small, thin and firmly layered onion that has a strong pungent smell from Tanzania. The second one is the big loosely held variety that is grown locally, in Kenya. Onions are categorized according to the color, size and shape. Onions can be harvested while still young; there is a perennial type of onion which is rarely attacked by insects or diseases. The onions can be planted by direct seed or by transplanting. The seedling stage requires planting of seedling in a seedling bed, the soil of the bed should be loose which takes 6 weeks for them to be ready for transplant. Transplanting method has a higher rate of succeeding than direct seeds; onions grow well in raised beds or rows at least 4 inches high, the onion should go 4 inches deep only a third of the bulb should be underground, if the onion is deeply planted the growth of the bulb will be restricted. The width between each onion should be 5 inches; the rows should be 12 to 17 inches apart. Select an open garden when planting to avoid being shaded by other plants. The soil should be loose and rich in nitrogen, compact and hard soil will interfere with bulb development, mix the soil with some nitrogen fertilizer at the time of planting, side dress the onion after every two weeks, make sure you repeat the dressing after every two weeks until the onion starts to bulb. How to Plant: To get the best results with onions you need to start them in a Nursery. Here is how to do this; Make a raised nursery bed 1 metre wide and any desired length. Apply well decomposed manure at a rate of 15kg per square metre. Mix and Apply DAP fertilizer at a rate of 20 grams per metre square Make shallow furrows 15 cm apart. Mix the seeds with dry ash, sand or soil at a ratio of 1:3 to help spread the small seeds. Plant the seeds and cover lightly with soil and apply mulches ( Grass or Polythene cover spread over the soil on the nursery bed) After planting irrigate the nursery bed liberally for the first 10 days and continue watering regularly. Germination of seeds will take about 7-10 days after which the mulches are removed and used to make a shade above the tender plants which have not fully developed. Transplanting of the seedlings takes place 6 weeks after planting seeds in the nursery. Transplant when the seedlings have pencil thick base and a height of approximately 15cm. Seedlings should have 3 to 5 well formed leaves at transplanting time. Two weeks before transplanting reduce the shade to improve seedling survival rate in the field. It takes about 4 months for onions to mature Conditions for Onion Farming Onions perform well in well drained, fertile, sandy loam, non-compacted soils. The ideal pH is 5.8 to 6.8. Onion farming is a worthy venture since it’s possible to grow onions throughout the year via irrigation. Soil test with accredited laboratories is advised. The ideal temperatures onions need to grow are between 13 – 35 degrees centigrade. This means that onions can grow in most parts of Kenya. In terms of requirements, apart from land that is an obvious fact, other requirements are DAP Fertilizer and seedlings. 1 kg of seedlings can be used in 1 acre while 20 grams of DAP Fertilizer is applied per square meter. You should note that there are different seed varieties and they perform differently under different conditions. Common hybrid varieties available in Kenya include Red Creole, Red Pinnoy, Jambar 1 and Red Bombay. The most popular seed variety in Kenya is the Jambar F1 since it produces high yield and the size of its onions are bigger. Challenges facing Onion Farming in Kenya Rains or Excess Watering: Too much rains or excess watering can water log the crop. If the rain in your area is too much, focus on growing the crop during the short rains. You can also raise the beds to ensure the water flows out of the field. Avoid excessive watering of your onions. The best type of irrigation on onions is drip irrigation. Overhead irrigation should be avoided as it causes fungal diseases. Diseases: Common diseases that affect onions include Downy Mildew, Bacterial Soft Rots, Pink/White Root, Botrytis, and Rusts. Use herbicides to get rid of the diseases. Pests: Common pests that attack onions include maggots, thrips, nematodes and the leaf

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. Embark on a flavorful journey through the diverse world of onions cultivated in Kenyan farming conditions. From the vibrant Red Creole to the mild and sweet Sweet Onions, each variety offers unique characteristics. Join us as we delve into the top 10 onion varieties, enriched with the expert guidance of Onion Doctor, supporting smallholder farmers across Africa. 1.Red Creole Onions The Red Creole onion is a long-day variety that is well-suited for Kenyan farming conditions. This onion is known for its deep red color and its ability to store well, making it a popular choice among farmers and consumers. The bulbs are large and have a crisp texture. They are also resistant to many diseases and pests, making them a low-maintenance crop. The Red Creole onions are great for grilling, roasting, and sautéing and are also a great addition to salads and sandwiches. 2. White Lisbon Onions The White Lisbon onion is a short-day variety that is also well-suited for Kenyan farming conditions. This onion is known for its white color and its ability to store well, making it a popular choice among farmers and consumers. The bulbs are small and have a crisp texture. They are also resistant to many diseases and pests, making them a low-maintenance crop. White Lisbon onions are great for pickling, and also a great addition to salads and sandwiches. 3. Yellow Granex Onions The Yellow Granex onion is another short-day variety that is well-suited for Kenyan farming conditions. This onion is known for its yellow color and its ability to store well, making it a popular choice among farmers and consumers. The bulbs are medium in size and have a crisp texture. They are also resistant to many diseases and pests, making them a low-maintenance crop. Yellow Granex onions are great for pickling, and also a great addition to salads and sandwiches. 4. Sweet Onions Sweet onions are a long-day variety that is known for their mild and sweet flavor. They are not as pungent as traditional onions and are less likely to bring tears to the eyes when cutting them. They are a popular choice for salads, sandwiches, and other dishes where a mild onion flavor is desired. They are also well-suited for Kenyan farming conditions and have a high market demand. They are also great for grilling and roasting 5. Hybrid Onions Hybrid onions are a cross between different varieties of onions and have been genetically modified to be disease resistant and have a higher yield. They are well-suited for Kenyan farming conditions and have a high market demand. They are however more expensive to purchase compared to other varieties. They are great for storage and can be sold for a longer period compared to other varieties. 6. Ailsa Craig Onions Ailsa Craig onions are a long-day variety that is known for its large bulbs and ability to store well. They are also resistant to many diseases and pests, making them a low-maintenance crop. They are great for grilling, roasting, and sautéing, and are also a popular choice for pickling. They are a high-demand variety in the Kenyan market. 7. Walla Walla Onions Walla Walla onions are a long-day variety that is known for its sweet flavor and ability to store well. They are also resistant to many diseases and pests, making them a low-maintenance crop. They are a popular choice for salads, sandwiches, and other dishes where a sweet onion flavor is desired. They are also great for grilling, roasting, and sautéing. 8. Copra Onions Copra onions are a long-day variety that is known for their high yields and ability to store well. They are also resistant to many diseases and pests, making them a low-maintenance crop. They are a popular choice for commercial farmers looking to maximize their yields. They are also great for storage and can be sold for a longer period compared to other varieties. 9. Grano Onions Grano onions are a short-day variety that is known for its large bulbs and ability to store well. They are also resistant to many diseases and pests, making them a low-maintenance crop. They are a popular choice for commercial farmers looking to maximize their yields. They are also great for storage and can be sold for a longer period compared to other varieties. 10. Red Burgundy Onions Red Burgundy onions are a long-day variety that is known for their deep red color and ability to store well. They are also resistant to many diseases and pests, making them a low-maintenance crop. They are a popular choice for grilling, roasting, and sautéing, and are also a great addition to salads and sandwiches. 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.