Written by 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. Onion farming in Kenya is a lucrative venture that thrives in well-drained, fertile, sandy loam soils with an ideal pH range of 5.8 to 6.8. This versatile crop can be cultivated throughout the year, thanks to the accessibility of irrigation. Ideal Conditions and Year-Round Cultivation: Onions flourish in temperatures between 13 – 35 degrees centigrade, making them suitable for growth in most parts of Kenya. To enhance production in hotter regions like Ukambani and the Coastal area, investing in a greenhouse with drip irrigation is crucial. Greenhouses regulate temperatures, and irrigation ensures a consistent water supply, especially in dry areas. Requirements and Varieties: Beyond land, essential requirements for onion farming include DAP Fertilizer and seedlings. Precision matters – 1 kg of seedlings per acre and 20 grams of DAP Fertilizer per square meter. Highlight the significance of choosing the right seed variety; in Kenya, popular hybrid varieties like Red Creole, Red Pinnoy, Jambar 1, and Red Bombay are available. The Jambar F1 variety is particularly favored for its high yield and larger onion size. Challenges and Solutions in Onion Farming: a. Rains or Excess Watering: Address the challenge of water logging due to excess rain by emphasizing suitable planting seasons. Promote raised beds and the use of drip irrigation to prevent waterlogging. b. Diseases: Highlight common onion diseases like Downy Mildew and effective solutions such as herbicides. c. Pests: Discuss prevalent pests like maggots and nematodes, advocating for accredited pesticides. d. Weeds: Emphasize the importance of weed control through physical removal or herbicide use. Harvesting Best Practices: Guide farmers on optimal harvesting times – dry seasons for bulb onions with a shiny membranous cover and when foliage withers. For spring onions, harvesting is ideal when they reach 15 centimeters in height and 1.5 centimeters in thickness. Onion Doctor’s Support for Farmers: Highlight Onion Doctor’s role in supporting smallholder farmers across Africa. Mention services such as quality and affordable onion and garlic seedlings, farm planning, soil testing, drip irrigation installation and maintenance, agronomic support, value packs, farm management, e-extension, and on-farm training.
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. Onion processing is gaining importance worldwide. Processed onion is mainly in the form of dehydrated onion, canned onion and onion pickle. Examples of value-added onion products include minimally processed onions like frozen onion rings, onion paste, dehydrated onion flakes, onion powder, onion oil, onion vinegar, onion salt, onion sauce, pickled onion, vacuum-packed onion, onion wine and beverages. Dehydration is widely used in onions to reduce the onion’s moisture content of about 86% to 7% or less for efficient storage and processing. Minimally processed: Onions are peeled and/or cut onions which retain its freshness. Availability of minimally processed onions to cook or ready to use purpose reduces the overall food preparation time. Alternatively, onions are used by way of frozen onion rings where the raw onions are sliced into rings, freeze dried and stored in a suitable packaging material under low temperatures. The frozen onion rings have a long storage life of 12 months and can be readily used for direct consumptions or for adding to soups and dressings Onion oil: Onion oil results from distillation of minced onions. It has a flavour strength 500 times that of the dehydrated product. Onion contains exceedingly small quantity of oil. This can be extracted by solvent extraction method or super critical fluid extraction technique. Oil is used as a flavoring substance, preservative and as a medicine. As the oil contains specific pungent aroma, encapsulation of oil is also done to reduce the pungent flavor while consuming. Dehydrated onion flakes: Are made from the dried onions and can be grounded to powder that dissolves more than the flakes. Dehydration in to flakes reduces bulk to store and transport besides increasing shelf life. Flakes are prepared by peeling, cutting, pretreating and drying using different drying techniques such as sun/solar, hot air/vacuum oven, microwave, fluidized bed, freeze drying and infra-red. Pretreatment before drying improves quality of dried product, prevents browning, accelerates drying rate and retains volatile compounds. Selection of proper drying technique is important to maintain quality of the product and make profit. Onion dehydration involves the following basic steps: Harvesting Transporting to the processing plant Curing Washing Slicing, Dehydration in a solar/mechanical/oven dryer Milling Packaging Dehydrated onion powder: Is prepared by grinding the dried onions, i.e. dehydrated onion flakes. Powder dissolves very easily and reconstitute quickly compared to flakes. It is a common ingredient in seasoned salt and spice mixes, such as royco seasoning. Some varieties are prepared using toasted onion. The dehydrated flakes and powder are used in the preparation of baked products like bread and pizza, seasoning, soups, sauces, salad sprinkles, among other uses. Dehydration decreases water activity of the material, reduces microbiological activity, and minimizes physical and chemical changes during its storage and extends the shelf-life. Dehydration improves food stability of semi-perishable crops like the onion. 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.
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. Starting a garlic farming venture in Kenya requires careful planning and consideration of various factors to ensure its success. Here are some key things to consider: 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.
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. In the lush landscapes of Kenya, where agriculture is a way of life, the cultivation of garlic stands out as a beacon of health and prosperity. Beyond its culinary uses, garlic has been revered for its medicinal properties for centuries. In this article, we delve into the health benefits of garlic, focusing on its potential to ward off common ailments. Additionally, we explore the agricultural aspects, emphasizing the support provided by Onion Doctor to smallholder farmers engaged in garlic farming in Kenya. Warding Off Cough and Cold with Raw Garlic: Embracing the age-old wisdom, the consumption of two crushed garlic cloves on an empty stomach is touted to be highly effective in preventing cough and cold infections. This practice is particularly beneficial for children, where hanging garlic cloves around their necks is believed to relieve congestion symptoms. For those exploring the vast fields of garlic farming in Kenya, incorporating these insights can foster a healthier community. Promoting Cardiac Health through Allicin: Allicin, a potent compound in garlic, plays a pivotal role in preventing the oxidation of LDL (bad cholesterol), thereby improving heart health. For individuals engaged in garlic cultivation in Kenya, highlighting this cardiovascular advantage can attract health-conscious consumers. Regular garlic consumption also diminishes the risk of blood clots, a significant boon in preventing thromboembolism. Furthermore, the blood pressure-lowering properties of garlic make it a valuable addition for those managing hypertension. Enhancing Brain Functioning with Garlic: Garlic’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties contribute to brain health, providing protection against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia. For farmers cultivating garlic in the Kenyan soil, emphasizing this cognitive advantage adds value to both the produce and the community’s well-being. Regulating Blood Sugar Levels: Diabetic individuals can find solace in the regular consumption of raw garlic, which has been observed to regulate blood sugar levels. This insight is not only beneficial for health-conscious consumers but also creates a market niche for garlic farmers in Kenya. Improving Digestive Health with Raw Garlic: Garlic’s positive impact on digestive health extends to benefiting the intestines, reducing inflammation, and even eliminating intestinal worms. For those immersed in the world of garlic farming in Kenya, communicating these digestive advantages can foster a market eager for health-conscious choices. Boosting Immunity with Garlic: Garlic, a stalwart against free radicals, safeguards DNA and promotes immunity. Zinc in garlic and the immune-boosting properties of Vitamin C make it a formidable ally against infections. This information is particularly valuable for consumers seeking natural ways to fortify their immune systems. Onion Doctor’s Support for Garlic Farmers in Kenya: As smallholder farmers in Kenya venture into garlic cultivation, Onion Doctor stands as a reliable ally. Providing quality and affordable onion and garlic seedlings, farm planning services, soil testing, and more, Onion Doctor empowers farmers to optimize yields and maximize profits. The support includes drip irrigation installation and maintenance, agronomic guidance, onion and garlic value packs, farm management, e-extension, and on-farm training.
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. Starting an onion farming venture in Kenya can be a rewarding and profitable undertaking, but it requires careful planning and consideration. Here are some key factors to take into account: 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.
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. In the realm of culinary delights, garlic plays a starring role. To ensure that this aromatic ingredient retains its quality, flavor, and pungency, proper storage is essential. In this guide, discover the secrets to storing whole garlic heads and peeled garlic for maximum freshness. Plus, learn about Onion Doctor’s expertise in garlic and onion farming in Kenya, providing valuable guidance to smallholder farmers. 1. Storing Whole Garlic Heads: Preserve Quality and Flavor When it comes to whole garlic heads, the key is to keep the bulb intact for as long as possible. Follow these tips for optimal storage: Location Matters: Choose a cool, dry, and dark place for your garlic. Ideally, a temperature between 60° and 65° is optimal, but your pantry can serve as a safe spot. Ensure decent ventilation to prevent moisture buildup. Avoid Sealing: Opt for paper or mesh materials if you choose to bag up your garlic. Plastic can trap moisture and compromise freshness. Onion Doctor’s Expertise: Onion Doctor provides guidance and training on storing garlic and onions for longevity. For more information and tips, reach out to us. We have the secrets to keeping your garlic fresh, just a call away. 2. Storing Peeled Garlic: Refrigeration for Prolonged Freshness For peeled garlic, refrigeration is the key to maintaining freshness. Here’s what you need to know: Airtight Containers: Seal peeled garlic in an airtight container or zip-top bag to prevent it from absorbing odors from the fridge. Refrigeration Timeframe: While peeled garlic may start losing pungency after a few days, it remains usable for about a week in the refrigerator. Onion Doctor: Empowering Farmers in Garlic and Onion Farming in Kenya Onion Doctor is committed to supporting smallholder farmers across Africa, providing quality and affordable onion and garlic seedlings, farm planning services, soil testing, drip irrigation installation and maintenance, agronomic support, onion and garlic value packs, farm management, e-extension, and on-farm training. Our mission is to help farmers optimize yields and maximize profits in garlic and onion farming. For expert guidance on garlic and onion farming in Kenya, don’t hesitate to reach out to Onion Doctor. We are here to share our knowledge and secrets to ensure your garlic remains fresh and flavorful. Contact us today and embark on a journey of successful garlic storage and farming. Your culinary creations deserve the best, and Onion Doctor is your partner in achieving excellence.
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. Harvesting usually takes place after four to five months. Nevertheless, onion farming can be a profitable venture for Kenyan farmers. With the right knowledge and management practices, farmers can produce high-quality onions in demand by both local and export markets. Proper treatment at harvest maximizes the amount of time you’ll be able to store your onions. When the tops of the onions turn brown or yellow and fall over, it’s time to harvest. Ideally, the plant will have about 13 leaves at this point. Pull the onions early in the morning on a sunny day and shake off excess soil. Dry the onions in the sun for two days. To prevent sunscald, lay the tops of one row over the bulbs of another. A bountiful harvest depends on taking good care of the field during growth, the weather, and the type of onion variety. Properly managed crops can produce 30 to 40 tons of onions per hectare. Therefore, you should start harvesting the onions when you notice that 50 percent of your crops are weak and dry. Early harvesting causes the onions to spoil early. When harvesting, prune the entire stem and cut off the excess leaves and roots. After harvesting, dry the onions in a moisture-free, well-ventilated area. Again, store well-dried onions in a moisture-free, well-ventilated place. Wet onions will rot if you try to keep them. If the weather is excellent and moist-free, you can store onions for three to six months. You can keep small onions longer than wider varieties. After harvesting onions, remember to incorporate crop rotation to preserve the soil for the next planting season. This also assists in pest control and diseases. 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.
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. ● Garlic bulbs are ready to harvest 4-5 months after they are planted. ● The outward signs are the green leaves, which will begin to turn brown. ● Check if ready by pulling back the soil around one of your bulbs, if the clove ridges are clearly defined and the bulbs are a decent size, and some of the leaves have died back, then harvest them. ● Do not delay harvesting until the leaves die back completely as with onions, because by this time the bulbs will have started to split. Once the bulbs have split, they are still fine to eat, but may not store for long. These should be used first. ● For Garlic that has been planted in light soils harvest by just pulling out of the ground ● If the soil is heavier and/or planted deeply, use a fork to carefully lift the whole plant. Shake or brush off any excess dirt. Do not bang them against each other or anything else as this will bruise them and shorten storage life. ● After harvest garlic is cured. The curing process gives the bulbs an opportunity to thoroughly dry and adjust to conditions outside of the vegetable garden. ● Curing is important if the bulbs are not quite mature, as the bulb continues to absorb moisture and nutrients from the stem and leaves after harvest. ● In dry areas, some growers place freshly dug bulbs in groups on top of the soil, to dry out and start the curing process in the open sun. However, this is not recommended as some garlic bulbs can get sunburnt, and the dramatic rise and fall in temperature from day to night can harm the bulb, reducing storage times. ● It is better to cure undercover, where temperatures fluctuate less. Leave plants intact (do not remove leaves, flower stalks or roots) and hang in bunches or place on racks in a dry airy position that doesn’t get too hot. ● Leave them for a minimum of 2-3 weeks but if you can leave them for longer (say 2 months) they are likely to store for longer. 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.
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. In the world of onion farming in Kenya, success hinges on proper guidance and timely actions. Onion Doctor is your trusted partner in achieving exceptional yields. Explore our expert insights and training to ensure your onion farming venture thrives. Contact us today at a competitive price for valuable information and resources. Are you looking to excel in onion farming in Kenya? Onion Doctor offers essential guidelines and training for transplanting, spacing, and timely cultivation, all aimed at optimizing your yield. Discover our drought-resistant, disease-free seedlings, known for their exceptional quality, guaranteeing maximum yields by season’s end. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to elevate your onion farming in Kenya. We’re here for you! Transplanting Seedlings for Maximum Yield: Your onion seedlings are ready for transplanting approximately 4 weeks (40 days) after germination or when they reach the same thickness as a pencil. To prepare your seedlings for the transition, follow these key steps: 7-10 days before transplanting, gradually reduce watering and remove any shading to help the seedlings acclimate to direct sunlight. Optimal transplanting times are early morning (6-10 am) or late afternoon (4-6 pm). Two hours prior to transplanting, water the nursery beds so you can remove each seedling with a small lump of soil. Select the healthiest and strongest seedlings for transplanting. Weaker ones can remain in the nursery longer to bolster their growth. Plant the seedlings with a 10 cm spacing between them, and maintain rows that are 30 cm apart. Plant each seedling in holes 1.5 cm deep, firming the soil around the seedling. Weed Management and Nutrient Optimization: Weeds can threaten your crop by siphoning water and nutrients while also providing hiding spots for pests and diseases. To safeguard your onions: Regularly remove weeds as soon as they appear in your onion bed. Consider using herbicides for efficient weed control. Always follow the product instructions and wear protective gear when applying herbicides. When your onions are thriving, apply 120 kg of Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (CAN) per acre. You can purchase CAN from local agrovets. Onion Doctor: Your Partner in Success Onion Doctor stands firmly with smallholder farmers across Africa, including Kenya, providing top-notch, affordable resources and support. Our offerings encompass high-quality onion and garlic seedlings, onion seedlings, farm planning services, soil testing, drip irrigation installation and maintenance, agronomic support, onion and garlic value packs, farm management, e-extension services, and on-farm training. Our mission is to empower farmers to optimize their yields and maximize their profits. Elevate your onion farming in Kenya with Onion Doctor’s expert guidance and resources. Contact us today to embark on a journey of agricultural success. Your success story begins with us, your trusted partner in 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. processing industry shows constant market demand. Bulbs are easily stored for 5-6 months after harvest • Garlic is used in varied food preparations • Raw garlic is also used in second generation products like garlic powder, garlic salt, garlic vinegar, garlic cheese croutons, garlic potato chips, garlic bread etc. Garlic bulbs are separated into cloves by garlic separating machine. Garlic cloves are peeled by using garlic peeling machine. Peeled garlic cloves are put into the garlic grinding machine which grinds the cloves into the paste. Garlic paste is put into the centrifugal dewatering machine to remove water Garlic offer very good scope for value addition in the form of dehydrated flakes, powder, granules, paste and Garlic salts. Among all these products, dehydrated flakes and powder of Garlic are important from export point of view 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