Onion Farming in Kenya: White Onion Farming in Kenya

ONION FARMING IN KENYA:WHITE ONION FARMING IN KENYA.

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.

White onion farming in Kenya has gained significant attention due to the high demand for onions in both the domestic and international markets. Here are some important points to consider when it comes to white onions farming in Kenya:

Here are varieties grown in Kenya:

Bombay White Onion Variety. The Bombay White Onion Variety is a profitable variety that is grown in Kenya. This variety is known for its mild flavor and long shelf life, making it a favorite among traders. It takes approximately four months to mature and can yield up to 25 tonnes per acre. The bulbs are round, with a diameter of up to 7cm, and they have a bright white color, making them attractive and easy to market.

The Texas Grano 502 Onion Variety is another profitable variety in Kenya. This variety is known for its high yield and resistance to diseases. It takes approximately four months to mature and can yield up to 30 tonnes per acre. The Texas Grano 502 Onion Variety is ideal for farmers who want to target the local market.

The Early Texas Grano Onion Variety is a profitable variety that is grown in Kenya. This variety is known for its high yield and early maturity. It takes approximately three months to mature and can yield up to 25 tonnes per acre. The Early Texas Grano Onion Variety is ideal for farmers who want to target the local market

CLIMATE CONDITION.

The crop thrives well in hot and dry climatic conditions.

PLANT POPULATION.

The optimum plant population is between 150,000 to 180,000 seedlings depending on irrigation and spacing method used.

NURSERY ESTABLISHMENT.

Onion seedlings are first established in a nursery. Preparation of nursery is done as follows;

Make a raised nursery bed 1 meter wide.

Apply well decomposed manure at rate of 15 kg per square meter.

Make shallow furrows 15cm apart and mix the seeds with sand to help spread the seeds.

Drill the seeds and cover lightly with soil and apply mulch.

It takes 45 days to mature.

TRANSPLANTING.

Seedlings should be transplanted 1 to 1.5 inches deep and each transplant needs to be 3 inches apart. The onions can be planted in rows 12-15 inches apart.

PEST AND DISEASES.

Thrips : These are tiny, winged insects that are black or brown in color that suck the sap from onion leaves. The sucked leaves turn to Silver or white color. To control Thrips culturally, use sticky traps, planting companion crops, releasing predators such as ladybugs or lacewings. To control Thrips chemically, use chemicals that have Cypermethrin or Profenofos as the active ingredients. eg PROFILE® 440EC 30ml/20L.

Onion aphids: These are Small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects that distort and curl onion leaves after sapping. The foliage turns to yellow . To control them use Insecticidal soap or neem oil, encouraging the presence of natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings.

Whitefly Small: These are white, winged insects that sap onion leaves, turning them to yellow and causing distorted growth these may cause the presence of small white flies on the foliage. To control them, use Insecticidal soap or neem oil, encouraging the presence of natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings or petroleum-based oils.

Root-knot nematodes :These are microscopic worms that feed on the roots of onions causing stunted growth, yellowing leaves that may cause the presence of small galls or knots on the roots. To control them use crop rotation. The use of nematicides apam is combined with non-fumigant nematicides.

Downy mildew : This is a Fungal disease caused by the fungus Peronospora. The Downey mildew discolors the leaves to Yellow, which causes white, fuzzy mold growth on the undersides of the leaves. Control them using Fungicides, crop rotation, ensuring good air circulation in the field.

White rot: This is a Fungal disease caused by the fungus Sclerotium cepivorum. Causes the bulb to rot with a white, cottony growth on them. Control them using crop rotation, using resistant varieties of onions and the use fungicides.

Purple blotch: This is a Fungal disease caused by the fungus Alternaria porri. It causes the leaves to have purple or brown spots turning the leaves to yellow and wilting of the foliage. Use Fungicides, crop rotation, ensuring good air circulation in the field.

Rhizoctonia basal: This is a rot fungal disease caused by the fungus Rhizoctonia solani. It causes bulbs to rot. The Rhizoctonia disease turns the bulb to color brown or black. Use Crop rotation and using fungicides.

HARVESTING.

Moisten the dry soil lightly a day before harvesting. Loosen the soil around each bulb before lifting it to avoid damaging your onions. Damaged onions rot quickly. After lifting the bulbs, leave them on the ground to dry for a few days and cover them with foliage to pre- vent sunburn. It takes three months to mature after transplanting.

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.