Boost Profits with Bulb Onion Farming in Kenya: Insights and Support from Onion Doctor
Are you in need of in-depth knowledge on onion and garlic production? If yes, we are a call away. Contact us for: Onion seedlings, Garlic seedlings, Germinated garlic cloves, Farm planning services, Soil testing, training on onion and garlic growing, 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. You can also check out our social media handles for daily updates on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@oniondoctorke?_t=ZM-8wmsTu0qumO&_r=1 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oniondoctorke?igsh=MTVoaHF3aWUydTJzaQ==Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/share/16SwgYn2dG/ Youtube:https://youtube.com/@oniondoctorke?si=u5Jnd-r0qU9UDYqL and Twitter: https://x.com/OnionDoctorKe?t=FR3JXlS_oN1vjjUgAtfyzg&s=09 Onion farming in Kenya faces several challenges, including government policies that restrict the cultivation of high-breed seeds, as well as taxes and regulations that increase the cost of horticultural farming. Despite these obstacles, the demand for bulb onions continues to rise, making it a lucrative commercial crop, especially for smallholder farmers. Why Bulb Onion Farming Is a Smart Investment in Kenya The Red Bulb Onion, in particular, is growing in popularity as farmers work to bridge the gap in supply. Key onion-growing regions in Kenya include: Bulb onions mature within 3 to 4 months, making them ideal for cultivation during Kenya’s short rainy season. This timing allows for harvests between January and February, creating a profitable window as the onion supply from Tanzania decreases. After the long rains in March, onion prices rise, providing farmers with higher profit margins. Spring onions, though simpler to grow and suited for kitchen gardens, are less popular commercially. However, they offer numerous health benefits, such as regulating blood sugar and lowering cholesterol. Between the two types, bulb onions stand out for their longer shelf life and sweet taste, making them the preferred choice in the Kenyan market. Notable varieties include: Farming Guidelines for Bulb Onions in Kenya Onions thrive in well-drained, sandy loam soils with a pH of 5.8 to 6.8. Through proper irrigation systems like those provided by Onion Doctor, onions can be cultivated year-round. For optimal growth, temperatures should range from 13 to 35°C. In hotter regions like Ukambani and parts of the coast, farmers should invest in greenhouses and drip irrigation systems to regulate temperature and water supply. Onion Doctor recommends soil testing by accredited laboratories to ensure the right soil conditions. Necessary inputs include: Popular hybrid onion varieties in Kenya include Red Coach F1 and Malbec F1, with Red Coach F1 being highly preferred for its excellent yield, size, and color. Overcoming Challenges in Onion Farming Harvesting Guidelines for Onions Bulb onions are ready for harvest when the foliage withers and the bulbs develop a shiny outer layer. Spring onions should be harvested when they reach 15 cm in height and 1.5 cm in thickness. The harvesting process involves pulling the bulbs, cutting off the leaves, and drying them in the sun before storage. Onion Doctor encourages farmers to maintain a calendar to track essential farming stages and ensure timely harvests. How Onion Doctor Supports Farmers Onion Doctor offers comprehensive support to smallholder farmers across Africa, providing: By partnering with Onion Doctor, farmers can optimize yields, improve water efficiency with drip irrigation, and successfully meet the growing demand for bulb onions in Kenya.