Onion Farming

Onion Farming in Kenya; Spring Onion Farming in Kenya

admin / August 26, 2024

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 whatsapp +254703982228, Email: Info@oniondoctor.co.ke. Spring onions, also known as scallions or green onions, are popularly used in various culinary dishes and are in demand in Kenya. They are relatively easy to cultivate and can be a profitable crop for farmers with an acre yielding up-to 8 tonnes in 3.5 months. Here are some key points to consider for spring onion farming in Kenya: Varieties of Spring Onions Grown in Kenya Ecological Requirements for Growing Spring Onions Propagation Spring onions can be propagated directly by seeds or by first raising the seeds in a nursery then transplanted later. That take about 4 to 6 weeks in the nursery. Nursery Preparation & Planting The first step is to prepare raised beds about 1-meter-wide and furrows which should be 5 cm apart and 2cm deep. Apply organic manure/well-decomposed manure on the prepared land. You can also add phosphate fertilizers to enhance soil fertility. Plant the seeds in the furrows at a spacing of 15 cm apart. After planting, add a thin layer of mulch above the planted seeds. Germination will occur after about 10 days. At this stage, you can remove the mulch and place it above the seed bed to provide a partial shade. Transplanting Transplanting is done after 4-6 weeks of sowing, when the seedlings have developed thick bases and attained a height of 10-15 cm. It should be done early in the morning or late in the evening when it is still cool. Proper watering needs to be done before and after transplanting to provide enough moisture for the plants. 4 weeks after transplanting, topdressing should be done using CAN. About 90kg is enough for an acre. Pests and Diseases Common pests that attack spring onions include leaf miners, onion fly and onion thrips. Diseases include downy mildew, purple blotch, onion rust and fusarium wilt. The pests and diseases can be controlled by using recommended pesticides & insecticides, practicing proper field hygiene and crop rotation. Harvesting Spring onions take about 2 months to be ready for harvesting. They can be harvested once the leaves are green and succulent. Harvesting is done by simply uprooting the entire plant or lightly cutting the succulent leaves. One acre of land can yield about 8 tonnes of spring onions depending on the spacing used. The Market for Spring Onions in Kenya The market for spring onions in Kenya is very wide. Their demand is high in the local markets. They can be sold in open-air markets, local mama mboga stalls, groceries or supplied to institutions such as schools, hotels and restaurants. 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.

Onion Farming in Kenya; Commercial Onion Farming in Kenya.

admin / August 26, 2024

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 WhatsApp +254703982228, Email: Info@oniondoctor.co.ke. Introduction: Bulb Onion is one of the most widely grown & consumed vegetables in Kenya. It is a biennial plant but considered an annual because it is harvested in its first growing stage. It is a profitable crop. However, it requires a lot of labor during transplanting and weeding. It is an important spice for foods when cooked or served raw. It is rich in Calcium, Iron, Potassium, Vitamin B6 & B9, Vitamin E and has medicinal properties. Nearly each household consumes at least two bulb onions in a day. Bulb onions do well in a hot, low humid environment. The growing season has 6 weeks in the nursery and 12 weeks in the main field. They do well under irrigation, where optimization and precision is achieved. The market size is estimated to be 122 million tonnes per year (AFDB Data). The market/farm gate price ranges from Sh.25 Ksh-90 Ksh, depending on supply and demand forces. Only 30% of the onions consumed in Kenya are produced locally thus there’s a huge demand for production and trade. Common varieties Kenya is known for its diverse onion production, with several onion varieties grown throughout the country. The choice of onion variety depends on factors such as market demand, growing conditions, and desired characteristics. Here are some popular onion varieties grown in Kenya: Optimal Ecological Requirements Altitude: Onion can be cultivated up to 1,900 m above sea level Rainfall: Onions require well-distributed rainfall of between 500 and 700 mm during the growing period. Dry spell is needed at maturity. However, when irrigation is factored in, onion can be grown any time of the year. Temperature: The optimum temperature for growth is 15 – 30°C . If the temperature exceeds 30°C , maturity is hastened & small bulbs are produced, consequently lowering the yields. When the temperature is low, growth is slowed or the plant may result in flowering. Cold weather is also associated with increased leaf diseases. Soil: Onions require fertile and well-drained soil. The optimum pH range is 6.0 – 6.8. Sandy to silty loams with fine tilth are adequate. We recommend conducting a soil test prior to planting so as to do the necessary soil corrections. Key pointers on production Profitability of Onion Farming/Acre The profit per acre in onion farming can vary depending on various factors such as yield, market prices, production costs, and management practices. It’s important to note that onion farming profitability is influenced by specific circumstances and market dynamics. However, we can provide you with a general estimate based on average yields and market prices. Based on these factors, here’s a simplified example calculation of onion profit per acre: Estimated yield: 18 tons (18,000 kilograms) Market price: KES 50 per kilogram Total revenue: 18,000 kg x KES 50/kg = KES 900,000 Production costs: Let’s assume the production costs amount to KES 300,000 per acre. Profit: Total revenue – Production costs = KES 900,000 – KES 300,000 = KES 600,000 Please note that this is a simplified example, and actual profitability can vary based on specific circumstances, market conditions, and individual farm management practices. It’s crucial to conduct a detailed financial analysis considering your specific costs, yields, and market prices to estimate the profitability accurately for your onion farming venture. 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.