Optimizing Onion Farming in Kenya: A Comprehensive Guide by 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.
Nursery Preparation for Onion Farming in Kenya When embarking on onion farming in Kenya, a well-established nursery is the first crucial step. Follow these steps for optimal results, and enhance your onion farming experience:
1. Raised Nursery Bed Setup: Create a raised nursery bed, ideally 1 meter wide and of desired length. Apply 15 kg of well-decomposed manure per square meter for nutrient enrichment.
2. Seed Sowing and DAP Application: Make shallow furrows, spaced 15cm apart, and mix onion seeds with sand for even distribution. Drill seeds into furrows, cover lightly with soil, and apply mulch. Mix 20g of DAP per square meter for enhanced root development.
3. Nutrient Boosting Solution: Mix 10g of loyalty, 100g of pyramid, and 20mls of optimizer with water. Apply this solution to the nursery to control early pests, diseases, and break seed dormancy.
4. Transplanting: After 6 weeks of germination, transplant seedlings with a pencil-size thickness and 15cm in length. Ensure the seedlings have 3-5 well-formed leaves for a robust start.
Weed Control Strategies 1. Weed-Free Fields: Maintain an onion field free from weeds to prevent competition for nutrients and serve as alternate hosts for pests and diseases.
2. Chemical Weed Control: Opt for chemical control using a selective herbicide known as Commander, applied two weeks after transplanting. This herbicide kills existing weeds and suppresses further germination.
Pest and Disease Management
1. Thrips Control: Thrips can harm onions by sucking sap, causing silvery-white leaves and affecting bulb formation. Apply Alternate Profile and Alonze at rates of 30mls and 5mls per 20 litres, respectively.
2. Leaf-Eating Caterpillar Management: Combat leaf-eating caterpillars with Alternate Escort and Profile, using rates of 30mls and 10mls per knapsack, respectively.
3. Disease Control: Address Downy Mildew by using Alternate Absolute with Fortress Gold, applying 10g and 50g per knapsack, respectively. Tackle Purple Blotch by spraying Tower/Fortress Gold at a rate of 50g per knapsack.
Onion Doctor's Support for Farmers Onion Doctor is your dedicated partner in onion farming success. We provide: Quality and affordable Onion and Garlic seedlings Farm planning services Soil testing for optimal nutrient management Drip irrigation installation and maintenance Agronomic support for healthier crops Onion and Garlic value packs for enhanced productivity Comprehensive farm management assistance E-extension services and on-farm training Choose Onion Doctor for a thriving onion farming venture in Kenya. Optimize yields, maximize profits, and cultivate success with our expert support.