Buckle up folks, because onion farming in Kenya is the electrifying agricultural adventure you did not know you needed, and Onion Doctor Limited is your ultimate wingman! This is not just planting bulbs it is a flavor-packed rocket ride to serious profits. Onion farming in Kenya is turning fields from all over Kenya into cash machines, thanks to Onion Doctor Limited top-notch seedlings and drip irrigation kits. With Kenyans piling onions into everything from Kachumbari to nyama choma, onion farming in Kenya guarantees a market. Whether you are a rookie or a farming pro, onion farming in Kenya with Onion Doctor`s expert guidance offers profits that will make your wallet do a happy dance. So let us dive into the lucrative world of onion farming in Kenya and see why it is the hottest hustle around!
BENEFITS OF BULB ONION FARMING IN KENYA
- High Profit Potential: Yields of 10-12 tons per acre can earn KES 450 000-1,500,000 at KES 30-100per kg with profits up to KES 1,000,000 after costs.
- Strong market Demand: Kenya consumes 122 million tons of bulb onions yearly, with 50% imported, creating a huge gap for local farmers.
- Favorable Climate: Kenya`s 13-35°C weather and well drained soils(pH 5.8-6.8) are perfect for bulb onions.
- Low Input, High Output: Affordable seeds, seedlings and minimal labor make it accessible. Bulb onions store for months, allowing sales when prices peak.
- Value Addition Opportunities: Turn bulbs into Onion powder for higher profits in urban and export markets.
- Health and Nutritional Benefits: Onions are rich in vitamins C and B6, antioxidants and fiber boosting consumer demands for healthy diets.
- Job Creation: Bulb onion farming in Kenya supports local employment for planting, weeding and harvesting, uplifting communities.
- Versatile Varieties: Onion Doctor offers seedlings like Neptune F1, African Red and Red Coach suiting different regions and markets.
- Sustainable Farming: Drip irrigation kits from Onion Doctor saves water, making it eco-friendly and cost-effective.
FARMING PRACTICES IN BULB ONION FARMING IN KENYA
- Land Preparation: Clear weeds, plow, and harrow to create a fine seedbed. Add compost or well-rotted manure.
- Planting: Sow seeds 1 cm deep in rows 30–40 cm apart, or use transplants/sets.
- Watering: Provide consistent moisture . Drip irrigation is ideal.
- Fertilization: Apply fertilizer at planting and during growth.
- Weed Control: Hand-weed or use shallow hoeing to keep fields weed-free, especially early in growth.
- Pest/Disease Management: Monitor for pest and diseases . Use crop rotation and, if needed, approved pesticides/fungicides.
- Harvesting: Harvest when tops yellow and fall (3–4 months after planting). Lift bulbs, cure in a dry, airy place for 2–4 weeks.
- Storage: Store cured onions in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area in mesh bags or crates.
Onion Doctor Limited offers a spraying and feeding program for Pest and Disease Management at an affordable price of Kes 5000 or $ 38.64 dollars For more WhatsApp us through: https://wa.me/254706252490
CHALLENGES FACING ONION FARMING IN KENYA
- Excess watering and rainfall cause bulb rot.
- Pests like thrips and leaf miners reduce yields.
- Diseases such as downy mildew and purple blotch affect crops.
- Weeds compete for resources and host pests.
- Market price fluctuations due to imports and oversupply.
- Summary of Solutions:
- Use drip irrigation from Onion Doctor and raised beds for better water management.
- Choose resistant onion varieties like the ones offered by Onion Doctor
- Plant during short rains (October–December) for better market timing.
- Apply integrated pest management and consult agronomists from Onion Doctor.
Contact us for: 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.