Optimizing Onion Farming in Kenya: A Comprehensive Guide to Harvesting, Curing, and Preservation with Onion Doctor
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Unlock the full potential of your onion harvest with our comprehensive guide to harvesting, curing, and preservation in onion farming in Kenya. Learn the essential techniques to ensure a bountiful and quality yield, supported by the expertise of Onion Doctor.
Harvesting Onions harvesting can be done 4 months after transplanting, depending on the variety and management. When are onions ready for harvest? Bulb Onions are ready for harvesting when the leaves collapse or when 75 % of the tops of the crop have dried and fallen over. Leaf tops begin to discolor, bend and dry towards the ground, and sheath leaves surrounding the bulbs reduce thickness.
What is “Curing”? Curing is a process intended to dry off the necks and outer leaves of bulbs. The main objective is to prolong shelf life by preventing moisture loss and attack by diseases. Curing can be done in the field or in a protected environment away from adverse weather conditions, such as rain or direct sunlight.
Field Curing Curing can be done in the field if the maturity and harvesting coincide with dry months. Place harvested onions in rows with leaves partially covering the bulbs to prevent sunburn or greening. Onions are then left in the field until the outer leaves and neck are completely dry and papery. Field curing can take 2 – 3 weeks depending on the environmental condition Protected Curing.
Drying of Onions in a protected environment Do Curing in a warm, dry, and well-ventilated location protected from direct sunlight and rain. The process involves the following:
Removal of excess soil
Trimming of foliage leaving 2.5cm of the section of stem at neck
Placing onions in a single layer in a large flat tray
Curing can be done by tying tops of bulbs in bunches and hanging them on a horizontal pole in a well-ventilated shade.
Value Addition Techniques Sorting-this is the process of removing foreign material from onions. Before storage, sort the bulb Onions remove the following:
Onions with thick necks
Onions that have bolted
Injured onions
Decayed onions
Doubles and small bulbs
Grading: Always do grading before & after storage. For the domestic market, put onions into 3 Grades: large, medium, and small. Bulbs must be:
Intact with firm flesh that is not exposed
Clean and free from visible foreign matter
Sufficiently dry with the first two outer skin and stem fully dry
Free from abnormal external moisture
Free from foul smell
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.