The Ultimate Guide to Onion Farming in Kenya.
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Embark on a journey into the world of onion farming in Kenya, exploring diverse onion types, the growth process, and invaluable insights from Onion Doctor. Discover the untapped potential of Kenyan soil and the opportunity for farmers to contribute to the country's self-sufficiency in red onion production.
Types of Onions grown in Kenya. -Bulb Onions -Spring Onions. Kenya has been importing a percentage of its most used onions… the red onion. While we have large uninhabited portions of fertile farming land that are suitable for onion farming. Onion grows in different areas in Kenya, but not all. Naivasha. Oloitoktok. Emali and many other places are situated around central Kenya. Be that as it may, Kenya has the agricultural prowess to produce its own red onions. In fact, that serves as an opportunity for more onion farmers to join the bandwagon and create employment by growing this lucrative crop.
What is the process of growing onions? Different onions have different methods of planting that guarantee success in productivity at different levels. Spring onions are much easier and more versatile and can literally be planted anywhere with a flexible budget. onion farming in kenya Spring Onion. I used to use this type of onion to cook while I was on campus. It is very economical and can be used very well for seasoning soups and in salads as well. The spring onion can also be planted even in pots in your backyard, making it reasonably easier to manage than the bulb onion. The spring onion however has a short shelf life and can only be used within a short period of time before its leaves turn yellow. This is because when using the spring onion to cook, even the leaves are used! Bulb Onion. onion farming in kenya From the name, this is a type of onion that has some sort of bulb shape to it. There are many differences between the bulb and the spring onion. Being the most common onion used in homes in Kenya, it is in high demand all the time. That is the main reason why Kenya imports onions at some point during the season! The demand cannot be satisfied by the onion farmers that we already have in the country. Bulb onions are usually cured or dried to increase their shelf life. This means that when they are dried, they can stay for a very long time before they spoil. Curing just removes some level of moisture from the onion that may be disadvantageous to the shelf life of the onion.
The bulb onion generically takes about three to four months to mature. Much can be done to ensure the successful harvest of this lucrative crop. In detail; Soil Requirements. The onion does well in soil that naturally drains water and rainfall easily. Waterlogged soils cause early rot and undergrowth with the crop. Soils must also be tested to ensure the right ph for the successful growth of a productive onion crop. The most favorable ph is an average ph of around 5.8 to 6.7 or 6.8. The soil should not be too acidic or too basic. Soil testing can be professionally done by local laboratories in your area. Water and temperature requirements. Onions in general require just an adequate amount of rainfall. Farmers are advised to grow the onion during periods that receive short rains because too much rain leads to the rotting and spoiling of the crop. In areas that receive little to no rainfall, irrigation is advised. There are various methods of irrigation that can be used for onion farming. However, before picking a method of irrigation, at least learn the type of soil that you are growing your onions on so as not to spoil your crop. Methods of irrigation used in the onion are; Drip irrigation: This is a method of irrigation that uses a system of pipelines that adequately distribute water to the root of various crops in a specific field. It is a super method of irrigation that minimizes water loss as well as improves root formation and supports plant growth. Basin Irrigation: From the name, the crop is planted in ‘basins’ and a channel of water is directed into the basins from time to time. Either daily or weekly. Hand Watering using a watering can: This one requires a lot of labor and time. Hand watering using watering cans is mostly used by kitchen garden farmers who have only to cover small spaces. Fertilizer. Fertilizer that will be used on the onion crop will largely help in bulb formation. As this is the main part of the crop. Inorganic fertilizers are the most used in Kenya because they are the most effective, or so ‘they’ say. I stick with cow manure! It is the best natural fertilizer, has all the nutrients, and is undeniably 100 percent organic!
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.