{"id":2653,"date":"2025-05-30T11:29:42","date_gmt":"2025-05-30T08:29:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/oniondoctor.co.ke\/?p=2653"},"modified":"2025-05-30T15:49:41","modified_gmt":"2025-05-30T12:49:41","slug":"onion-farming-in-kenya-white-onion-farming-in-kenya-254703982228","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/oniondoctor.co.ke\/?p=2653","title":{"rendered":"Onion Farming in Kenya\/ White Onion Farming in Kenya\/+254703982228"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Onion Farming in Kenya is a cornerstone of the agricultural sector, fueled by the crop`s high demand in local markets, restaurants , and export channels. White Onion farming in Kenya, in particular has gained traction due to its versatility, longer shelf life and culinary appeal with the right knowledge and tools, onion farming in Kenya offers farmers a profitable venture. Onion Doctor<\/mark><\/strong> a trusted name in agricultural solutions, empowers farmers with expertise and resources to excel in onion farming in Kenya. This blog explores the intricacies of white onion farming in Kenya, providing practical insights for both novice and seasoned farmers to maximize yields and profitability. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Farmer harvesting white onions<\/em><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

KEY BENEFITS OF WHITE ONIONS <\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  • Market Demand:<\/strong> High demand in Urban centers and export markets especially in the Middle East and Europe.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Storage:<\/strong> White onions store better than red onions, reducing post- harvest losses.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Versatility: <\/strong>Used in a wide range of dishes, increasing their culinary appeal<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    WHITE ONION VARIETIES GROWN IN KENYA<\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1.Bombay White<\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    • Maturity<\/strong>: Approximately 4 months.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Yield<\/strong>: Up to 25 tonnes per acre.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Characteristics<\/strong>: Round bulbs with a bright white color and mild flavor.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Advantages<\/strong>: Long shelf life, making it favorable for traders and markets<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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      • 2. Texas Grano 502<\/mark><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Maturity<\/strong>: Around 4 months.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Yield<\/strong>: Up to 30 tonnes per acre.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Characteristics<\/strong>: Large bulbs with a mild flavor.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Advantages<\/strong>: High yield and disease resistance; ideal for local markets<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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        • 3. White Lisbon<\/mark><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Maturity<\/strong>: 60 to 75 days.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Yield<\/strong>: 5 to 7 tonnes per acre.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Characteristics<\/strong>: Fast-growing with a mild flavor.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Advantages<\/strong>: Adaptable to various climates; ideal for salads and fresh markets.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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          • 4.White Creole<\/mark><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Maturity<\/strong>: Early maturing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Yield<\/strong>: 20 to 25 tonnes per hectare.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Characteristics<\/strong>: Good processing quality and high market value.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Advantages<\/strong>: Consistent bulb size and disease resistance; requires specific growing conditions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
            5.White Grano<\/mark><\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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            • Maturity<\/strong>: Early maturing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Yield<\/strong>: 20 to 25 tonnes per hectare.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Characteristics<\/strong>: Sweet flavor, suitable for salads.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Advantages<\/strong>: High yield and attractive color; however, it has a shorter storage life<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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              Freshly harvested and peeled white Onions<\/em><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

              AGRONOMIC PRACTICES<\/mark><\/strong> IN WHITE ONION FARMING IN KENYA<\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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              • Site selection:<\/strong> Optimal temperatures range between 13\u00b0C and 25\u00b0C; avoid areas with temperatures above 30\u00b0C.Requires 600\u20131200 mm annually; irrigation is essential in arid regions. Prefers well-drained sandy loam soils with a pH of 6.0\u20137.0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Land Preparation:<\/strong> Clear and plow the land 2\u20133 weeks before planting. Incorporate 10\u201316 tons of well-decomposed manure per acre. Create raised beds or ridges to improve drainage.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Nursery Establishment<\/strong>: Prepare raised beds 1 meter wide. Apply well-decomposed manure.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Transplanting:<\/strong> Transplant seedlings 6\u20138 weeks after sowing when they are 15 cm tall with 3\u20134 leaves. Spacing: 10\u201315 cm between plants and 30 cm between rows.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Fertilizer application: <\/strong> Apply phosphatic fertilizer at transplanting.3 weeks after transplanting: Apply Calcium Ammonium Nitrate.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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                • Irrigation:<\/strong> Use drip irrigation for efficient water use. Maintain consistent moisture during growth; reduce watering as bulbs mature to prevent rot.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Weed Management: <\/strong>Regular weeding is essential; mulching can help suppress weeds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Pest and Disease control: Apply appropriate chemicals to control pests like thrips and diseases like Downey Mildew.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Harvesting:<\/strong> Onions are ready when 70\u201380% of leaves have yellowed and fallen over, approximately 90\u2013120 days after transplanting. Harvest by gently uprooting to avoid bulb damage.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Storage:<\/strong> Store cured onions in a dry, ventilated place using mesh bags or crates to prevent sprouting and rot.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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