Boost Your Onion Farming in Kenya with Expert Tips and Support from Onion Doctor
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Spring onions are easy to plant and can be grown even in kitchen gardens. They are commonly used in vegetable salads or as seasoning in soups. Some health benefits of spring onions include lowering blood sugar and decreasing blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Of the two types, bulb onions are more popular due to their long shelf life and sweet taste. Currently, there are two varieties of bulb onions in the market: the small, thin, and firmly layered onion from Tanzania with a strong pungent smell, and the big, loosely held variety grown locally in Kenya.
The best areas suited for farming include Karatina, Oloitoktok, Naivasha, Kieni, Emali, and Mai Mahiu. Bulb onions take 3 to 4 months to reach maturity.
Conditions for Onion Farming Onions perform well in well-drained, fertile, sandy loam, non-compacted soils with an ideal pH of 5.8 to 6.8. Onion farming is a worthy venture since it’s possible to grow onions throughout the year via irrigation. Soil testing with accredited laboratories is advised. Optimal temperatures for onion growth are between 13 to 35 degrees Celsius, allowing cultivation in most parts of Kenya. However, to maximize production in areas such as Ukambani and parts of the Coastal region, investment in greenhouses and drip irrigation is necessary. Greenhouses optimize temperatures, and irrigation provides the much-needed water. Onions are a cool-season crop, and most areas in Ukambani and the Coastal region are extremely dry. Essential requirements include land, DAP fertilizer, and seedlings. One kilogram of seedlings can be used per acre, while 20 grams of DAP fertilizer is applied per square meter. Different seed varieties perform differently under various conditions. Common hybrid varieties available in Kenya include Red Coach F1 and Malbec F1, with Red Coach F1 being the most popular due to its high yield and the size and color of its onions, which are ideal for the Kenyan markets.
Challenges Facing Onion Farming in Kenya Excessive Rainfall or Watering: Heavy rainfall or excessive watering can lead to waterlogging. Focus on cultivating during short rains or raising beds to ensure proper drainage. Drip irrigation is recommended to prevent fungal diseases associated with overhead watering.
Diseases: Common diseases affecting onions include Downy Mildew, Bacterial Soft Rots, Pink/White Root, Botrytis, and Rusts. Use effective fungicides to combat these diseases.
Pests: Common pests that attack onions include maggots, thrips, nematodes, and leaf miners. Employ quality pesticides to manage pest infestations.
Weeds: Weed control is crucial in onion farming. Weeds are a big challenge and should be managed effectively.
Harvesting Onions The best time to harvest onions is during the dry season. Keep a calendar and record essential dates to ensure timely harvesting. Bulb onions are ready for harvest once they form a shiny membranous cover around the bulbs or when the foliage withers. Spring onions are ready for harvesting when they are 15 centimeters tall and 1.5 centimeters thick. Harvest by pulling the bulbs and chopping off the leaves. Dry the bulbs in the sun before storing the produce.
Support from Onion Doctor Onion Doctor supports smallholder 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 yields and maximize profits.