Unlocking Success: A Comprehensive Guide to Onion Farming in Kenya 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 art and science of successful onion farming in Kenya with Onion Doctor. Discover key insights and crucial considerations for a thriving onion farming venture.
What are the several things you should consider before starting onion farming?
Budget: How much is required to start farming onions? Do you have the resources? With 100,000ksh - 250,000ksh, you can begin your onion farming venture. The starting capital could be even lower, especially if you have all the requirements. For example, you own the land, have a drip irrigation system, have an existing farm with laborers already, and so forth.
What will be the returns The yields and profitability expected will be driven by many factors, including the varieties planted, crop management, geographical locations, water availability, etc. The average market price will vary between 50ksh- 100ksh depending on the current market prices, sometimes can even go higher as will be dictated by the market dynamics. Hybrid varieties can yield as high as 12-15 Tons depending on the management aspects, fertility of the soil, and weather aspects during the crop growth. The local variety produces 4-8 tons in similar conditions.
Basic requirements for onion farming Onions do well in fertile, well-drained, sandy loam soil. They prefer pH ranging between 5.8 and 6.8. You must test your soil before planting. The average rainfall is required, and one can opt to use irrigation.
Which variety to choose from There are both local and hybrid varieties. The local varieties are the open-pollinated varieties propagated traditionally by the local people hence the name local varieties. Hybrid varieties were developed later as an improvement to the local types. It's worth noting that different varieties of onions will yield differently under other conditions. Common hybrid varieties available in Kenya include Red Creole, Red Pinoy, Jambar F1, and Red Bombay. The popular seed variety in Kenya is the Jambar F1, as it produces a high yield, and the size of its onions is bigger.
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.