Farming, Onion Farming

ONION FARMING IN KENYA:WHITE ONION FARMING IN KENYA.

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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. White onion farming in Kenya has gained significant attention due to the high demand for onions in both the domestic and international markets. Here are some important points to consider when it comes to white onions farming in Kenya: Here are varieties grown in Kenya: CLIMATE CONDITION. The crop thrives well in hot and dry climatic conditions. PLANT POPULATION. The optimum plant population is between 150,000 to 180,000 seedlings depending on irrigation and spacing method used. NURSERY ESTABLISHMENT. Onion seedlings are first established in a nursery. Preparation of nursery is done as follows; It takes 45 days to mature. TRANSPLANTING. Seedlings should be transplanted 1 to 1.5 inches deep and each transplant needs to be 3 inches apart. The onions can be planted in rows 12-15 inches apart. PEST AND DISEASES. HARVESTING. Moisten the dry soil lightly a day before harvesting. Loosen the soil around each bulb before lifting it to avoid damaging your onions. Damaged onions rot quickly. After lifting the bulbs, leave them on the ground to dry for a few days and cover them with foliage to pre- vent sunburn. It takes three months to mature after transplanting. 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.

Farming, Garlic Farming

The Beginner’s Guide to Making Money Growing Garlic

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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. Garlic is in high demand and makes an excellent cash crop. If you’d like to learn how to make money growing garlic yourself, keep reading! When you eat garlic, chances are you’re eating the bulb of the garlic plant—the bulb-shaped, underground bud. Like other plants, garlic also has a stem, leaves and even flowers! Though these are technically edible, you rarely see them in meals.  Both raw and cooked garlic have impressive health benefits, including reduced cholesterol and blood pressure, better immune function, and treatment of respiratory infections. How Much Can You Make Growing Garlic Per Acre? On average, farmers can harvest between 4,000 and 6,000 kilograms of garlic per acre. The market price of garlic also fluctuates, but farmers can expect to earn a profit of between Ksh. 200,000 and Ksh. 400,000 per acre. The Pros of Growing Garlic: Garlic has many health benefits. Whether you grow it for your family or for your customers, you can rest assured that you’re providing something nourishing. Garlic is relatively easy to grow. It doesn’t require too much maintenance or watering. Fresh garlic is extremely flavorful. Chances are that the garlic you’ve had from the grocery store is imported from somewhere far away from your home. Once you’ve had fresh garlic, you’ll never go back to store-bought (and neither will your customers)! Garlic is relatively inexpensive to grow. So you can make a great profit from it. The Cons of Growing Garlic: Although garlic is in high demand, it’s also a commonly grown and sold vegetable. You can help differentiate yourself in the market by selling a more unique type of garlic. Like most other crops, garlic is susceptible to pests. So you’ll need to be mindful of taking measures to prevent them. How to Market and Sell Your Garlic: After you’ve harvested your garlic, here are some of the ways you can market your garlic. Offer Unique Types of Garlic:  The most reliable way you can make money selling garlic is to grow and sell a variety of it that isn’t typically sold at your local farmer’s market. Even better if you sell multiple varieties. Make it Easy for Folks To Buy Your Garlic: If your garlic is hidden behind other vegetables at the farmer’s market, your customers may not reach for it. Place your garlic in between the vegetables your customers are already buying, so they’re more likely to buy it. Think About How You’re Presenting Your Garlic: Whole garlic plants are more attractive than individual bulbs, and they look appealing when grouped together in a bin or basket. There Are Multiple Ways To Sell Garlic: You don’t just have to sell whole garlic bulbs. Here are a few other products you can bring to farmer’s markets (or wherever you’re selling your goods): Minced garlic in airtight jars Cloves for planting + planting instructions Dried, powdered garlic or garlic flakes Garlic-heavy foods such as breads and dips Garlic paste Garlic oil Garlic herbal supplements Pricing Your Garlic:  The price you charge for your garlic will vary depending on where you live, the time of year, the type of garlic you’re selling, and where you’re selling it. 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.

Farming

DRIP IRRIGATION IN GARLIC FARMING

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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. Garlic irrigation farming in Kenya is undertaken using drip irrigation systems, overhead irrigation, or the newer rain hose irrigation system. However, Drip irrigation is the most efficient method.  Drip irrigation allows for uniformity in irrigation, weed control, uniformity of bulbs and reduction in labour costs. Both large and small scale farmers can adopt Drip irrigation. At Onion Doctor we offer Drip irrigation materials and installation starting from 1/8th of an Acre to hundreds of Acres. How to Grow Garlic Through Irrigation Water in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are low. This reduces water loss as a result of evaporation. When planting garlic, ensure that the soil is well saturated in water. After planting water every day until the garlic is fully sprouted. This should be about 7-10 days. Water the crop to the full root depth and the soil should remain moist through out the growing season. Moist but not wet. Garlic needs 1 inch of water per week. When young, the water needs are small and increase as the crop matures. During bulbing, the crop will require the most water. Do not water during the rainy season. Water once a week in the cool season and 3-4 times a week in the hot season. When the bulb has formed and matured, reduce watering completely 1-2 weeks before harvesting. 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.

Farming, Garlic Farming

General Information on Garlic.

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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. Garlic (Allium sativum) is a widely used and highly regarded culinary and medicinal plant known for its distinctive flavor and numerous health benefits. Here is some general information about garlic: Garlic belongs to the Allium genus, which also includes onions, shallots, and leeks. It is a bulbous plant with a strong, pungent odor. The edible part of garlic is the bulb, which consists of multiple individual cloves. Garlic is a staple ingredient in many cuisines worldwide, adding a strong, savory flavor to dishes. It can be used in various forms, such as raw, minced, crushed, or roasted, and is a key component in sauces, soups, marinades, and salad dressings. Garlic has a unique flavor profile that is described as pungent, spicy, and slightly sweet. The intensity of its flavor can vary depending on how it is prepared and cooked. Garlic is relatively low in calories but rich in essential nutrients. It contains vitamins (e.g., vitamin C, vitamin B6), minerals (e.g., manganese, selenium), and antioxidants. It is also a good source of allicin, a sulfur compound with potential health benefits. Health Benefits: Cardiovascular Health: Garlic may help lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels, and decrease the risk of heart disease by improving circulation and reducing inflammation. Antioxidant Properties: Garlic contains antioxidants that help protect cells from oxidative damage. Anti-Inflammatory: Garlic has anti-inflammatory properties and may help alleviate certain inflammatory conditions. Immune System Support: Some studies suggest that garlic can boost the immune system, potentially reducing the severity and duration of colds and infections. Antibacterial and Antifungal: Garlic has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties and has been used traditionally to treat various infections. Cultural and Historical Significance: Garlic has a long history of culinary and medicinal use. It has been cultivated for thousands of years in various cultures, including ancient Egypt, Greece, and China. It was even used as an antiseptic during World War I. Varieties: There are numerous garlic varieties, with differences in flavor, size, and color. Some popular varieties include soft-neck garlic (commonly used in cooking) and hard-neck garlic (known for its large, easy-to-peel cloves). 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.

Farming

Drip Irrigation in Onion Farming Guide.

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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. Drip irrigation is an efficient and effective method of irrigation for onion farming in Kenya. It helps to conserve water, reduce weed growth, and minimize the risk of diseases associated with overwatering. Here’s a beginner’s guide to implementing drip irrigation for onion farming in Kenya: Why onion farming using drip irrigation is the best. What to consider when designing Drip irrigation system in onion farming. Components of a Drip System. Drip Installation and Maintenance. Prepare the Field: Clear the field of any debris or rocks that could interfere with the proper functioning of the drip system. Level the field if necessary, as this ensures even water distribution. Install the Drip System: Lay the drip tape or drip line along the rows where you’ll be planting the onions. Secure it with stakes or bury it slightly to keep it in place. Install emitters near each onion plant, ensuring the appropriate spacing based on your crop’s needs Test the System: Before planting, run the drip system to check for any leaks, clogs, or pressure issues. Fix any problems that you encounter. Planting and Mulching: Plant the onion seedlings or sets at the specified spacing along the drip tape. Applying a layer of organic mulch can help retain moisture and reduce weed growth. Irrigation Schedule: Set up an appropriate irrigation schedule based on the water needs of onions. In the beginning, frequent watering may be needed until the onion plants establish their root systems. As they mature, reduce the frequency of irrigation, but ensure sufficient water supply to support bulb development. Regular Maintenance: Inspect the system regularly for any issues, and clean the filters to prevent clogging. Also, check the emitters and replace any damaged ones. Onion Doctor offers Drip Irrigation kit and installation services at a very competitive price. Our prices are as follows:  1Acre=ksh. 170,000. 1/2 Acre=ksh. 85,000. 1/4 Acre= ksh. 43,000. 1/8 Acre=ksh. 22,000.  3 driplines/bed. 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.

Farming

Nursery Preparation And Transplanting

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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. We Onion Doctor offers on-farm trainings and guidelines on how to prep your nursery till transplanting, for better measurement and good coporation of the manure. Also guide on the spacing of the nursery. We offer drip irrigation services depending on the acreage of your land, also guide on how to manage weeds and pests during the growing season. Nursery: Make your nursery bed to raise your seedlings near the planting site to make it easier for you during transplanting. Follow the following guidelines while preparing your seedling nursery; You should adjust the beds to be 1metre wide while incorporating compost manure that is well decomposed. The seedbed needs to be under a shade, or you can as well prepare a raised cover to protect seedlings from direct sunlight. On the seedbed, make rows 15cm apart and drill the seed thinly 1cm deep. Cover the seeds using soil and mulch. Onions take between 7-10days to germinate. You should ensure that you water the seedbed daily but be careful not to flood it. After the seeds germinate, remove the mulch. Transplanting Onions: Seedlings are transplanted 6-8weeks after sowing. You can as well transplant your onions when it has produced three to five well-formed leaves, and its base is pencil thick. As you approach the intended day of transplanting (7-10 days before transplanting); Gradually reduce the rate of watering. This will make your seedlings stronger in terms of structure. Remove the shade cover to get the seedlings more used to stronger sunshine. Before transplanting, you should irrigate your seedbed to avoid damaging your seedling as you pull it from the seedbed. You should also water the field a day before you intend to transplant.   During transplanting, you should follow the following guidelines; You should transplant early in the morning or late in the evening (6-10 am or 4-6 pm) when the sun is not scorching. Transplant your seedlings in 2.5-3cm deep trenches at a spacing of 30cm between rows and 8-10cm between plants. Firm up the seedling with the surrounding soil. Cut off 50% of green tops to hasten your onion take off. Fertilizer Requirements For Onions: Before planting, you should apply 10-16tonnes of well-decomposed manure per acre. Ensure the manure is well rotten as fresh manure will cause the development of thick leaves at the expense of bulb formation. You can also add 80kg of TSP to the fertilizer and incorporate it into the soil.  Top Dressing Onions: You should top-dress your onions 30days after transplanting at the rate of 40kg of CAN per acre. The second topdressing should be done 45days after transplanting at the rate of 80kgs of CAN per acre. The top dressing exercise should be completed before the onions start forming bulbs. You should not exceed the recommended standards as too much nitrogen will result in the formation of thick necks.  Onions require just enough moisture during the growing stage. At the bulbing stage, the onions will require a substantial amount of water. You should reduce the watering towards the maturity stage. You should take care not to over irrigate your crop as excessive moisture encourages the spread of fungal diseases. Also, water stress will cause the bulbs to split or form multiple bulbs in one plant. Diseases Affecting Onions: Onion diseases can result in considerable losses in terms of the quality and quantity of your produce. It is essential to quickly identify any disease attacks and mitigate them before the disease spreads all over your farm. Some of the conditions that attack onions include; Purple Blotch– A fungus causes this disease. It appears as small white spots on the foliage and spreads rapidly under moist conditions. A severe attack is indicated by the appearance of large purplish blotches surrounded by yellow to orange border. This infection can spread to the onion bulb where it may cause a wet orange spot starting from the neck. To control purple blotch, you should; 1. Use recommended spacing to ensure proper drainage of the field 2. Spray fungicides such as Mancozeb (Dithane M45®) to the crop to control the spread. 3: Use resistant varieties such as Red Pinoy. Pests Affecting Bulb Onions: Pests cause a lot of losses in terms of quality and quantity of the crop. Onions are attacked by a variety of pests the most common being; Onion flies– They appear as white cream in color. Onion flies cause damage as they eat the lateral roots causing tunnels into the taproot, plants become shriveled or eventually die. They are controlled by; 1. Practicing crop rotation 2. Practicing field sanitation by destroying infested plants. 3. Using well-decomposed manure. Harvesting And Post-Harvest: Onions usually become ready for harvesting at around 120 to 150 days after transplanting. You should harvest your bulb onions when 75 % of the tops of the crop have dried and fallen over. The onions are harvested by pulling and leaving the bulbs on the soil surface to begin the process of curing. Post-Harvest Care For Bulb Onions: Post-harvest care of onions involves the process of curing. Curing is whereby you dry the neck and outer leaves of the bulb. This prolongs the shelf life of the bulb by preventing moisture loss and attack by diseases. Curing can either be protected or done in the field.

Farming, Onion Farming

How to grow onions using a drip irrigation system

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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 whatsapp +254703982228, Email: Info@oniondoctor.co.ke. Onion Drip Irrigation Kit FAQs These are prices for 3 drip rows per bed . They include installation charges: 1/8 Acre=ksh. 22,000 1/4 Acre=ksh. 43,000 1/2 Acre=ksh.85,000 1Acre=ksh. 170,000 Components of an onion drip kit 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.

Farming

Drip Irrigation in Kenya

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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 whatsapp +254703982228, Email: Info@oniondoctor.co.ke. Drip Irrigation system is a climate smart adaptation  modern farming technique that has been embraced by Kenyan farmers. This system saves on water, labor and helps in even distribution of water and nutrients. Its cost effective and has a durability of up to six years. Components of a drip kit. Advantages of Drip Irrigation System to farmers. Where can you buy Drip Kit in Kenya? Get your drip kits from Onion Doctor Kenya Nairobi. We are a trusted partner to all your farm inputs and management practices. For more information, call: 0703982228 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.

Farming

COMPONENTS OF A DRIP KIT

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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. 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.

Farming, Onion Farming

Ecological Requirements For Bulb Onions

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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. Onions can grow in a variety of climatic conditions and soil characteristics. For optimal growth, onions will require; Bulb onions grow well in well-drained soils. You can also grow onions in shallow soils if you adapt in your management practices. Sandy to silty loams with fine tilth is adequate. pH ranging from 6.0-6.8. This is to ensure your onions maintain good macronutrient uptake. An altitude of below 1900 metres above sea level. The temperature of about 15 – 30 degrees Celsius. If the temperature exceeds 30 degrees Celsius, it hastens maturity leading to the production of small bulbs, consequently lowering the yields. Cooler temperatures also encourage the spread of leaf diseases. Well distributed rainfall of between 500 -700mm during the growth period. You should, however, note that during the maturity and curing process, dry weather will be more favorable. Yield Per Acre For Bulb Onions: The maturity period and yield per acre of onions as per variety is as follows; Red Pinoy– This variety takes 90 days after transplanting to mature. It has the ability to yield up to 30 tonnes per acre. It has a shelf life of 6months at room temperature and low humidity. Bombay Red- This variety takes 150 days to mature after transplanting. It has the ability to yield up to 16 tonnes per acre. Red Creole– This is a standard variety in Kenya due to its adaptability to various climatic conditions. It takes up to 150 days to mature after transplanting. You can harvest up to 16 tonnes per acre when farming this variety. Texas Early Grano- This variety is well adapted to the tropics. It matures 120 days after transplanting. You can harvest up to 21 tonnes per acre. The Texas Early Grano variety also has a good shelf life and transportability.

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