Onion Farming in Kenya: Organic Onion Farming in Kenya

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Organic onion farming in Kenya has been gaining popularity due to the increasing demand for organic produce both locally and internationally. Organic farming is a sustainable agricultural practice that emphasizes the use of natural methods to grow crops without the use of synthetic chemicals, pesticides, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

key aspects to consider when it comes to organic onion farming in Kenya:

• 1. Soil preparation: Land should be ploughed or ripped as deep as possible, and a good seed bed prepared, with all lumps broken up with a disc and smoothened with a rollerMake a nursery bed to raise your seedlings near the planting site. Preparing the soil for onion farming is to test the pH level. Onions prefer slightly acidic soil, with a pH level between 6.0 and 6.8. If the pH level is too high or too low, it can negatively impact the growth and yield of your onions. At Onion Doctor we offer soil testing on a competitive price. Feel free to reach to us for our quality services.

• 2. Seed selection:VARIETIES OF ONIONS : Red Pinnoy F1  Bombay Red . Texas Grano 502 Red Passion F1.Early Texas Grano  Red Pinoy F1  Red Creole Onion Variety.Onion doctor comes in handy with varieties that are of high-quality and disease resistance right for your location. We help our clients to choose the best and also take them through on how to maintain seedlings from nursery to harvesting cycle. We got your Back!!!

• 3. Planting: The potential for fungal diseases like downy mildew and pink root can be greatly reduced by avoiding beds where onions, garlic and other alliums have been grown within the last two years. This time period is a basic rule of thumb but, in general, “the longer the better.”Organic onion farming is a way of producing onions that use organic pesticides or fertilizers. In addition, natural methods such as crop rotation, companion planting, and composting. The result is onions that are more nutrient-dense and full of flavor. In addition, organic onions are generally higher in quality than conventional onions and have a longer shelf life.Plant each set 1 inches deep and 2 inches apart for small bulbs or 4 to 5 inches apart for large bulbs. Plant onion sets in a grid pattern or in rows spaced 12 to 18 inches apart. We train farmers how to make rows and train them on the right spacing.

• 4. Weed management:: Mulching with organic materials like straw or grass clippings can help suppress weeds. Hand weeding is also essential to control weed growth.

• 5. Pest and disease control:Onion maggots: These small, white larvae feed on the roots of onions, causing the plants to wilt and die. Symptoms of onion maggot infestation include wilted plants, yellowing leaves, and the presence of small white larvae in the soil around the base of the plant. Control methods include crop rotation and using physical barriers like row covers.Thrips: These tiny, winged insects suck the sap from onion leaves, causing them to become discolored and distorted. Thrips are also known to spread viruses, which can further damage the crop. Symptoms of thrips infestation include silver or white discoloration on the leaves, and the presence of small black or brown bugs on the foliage. Control methods include using sticky traps, planting companion crops, and releasing predators such as ladybugs or lacewings.Whitefly: These small, white, winged insects feed on the sap of onion leaves, causing them to become yellow and distorted. Symptoms of whitefly infestation include yellowing leaves, distorted growth, and the presence of small white flies on the foliage. Control methods include using insecticidal soap or neem oil and encouraging the presence of natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings.Root-knot nematodes: These are microscopic worms that feed on the roots of onions, causing them to become distorted and stunted. Symptoms of root-knot nematode infestation include stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and the presence of small galls or knots on the roots. Control methods include crop rotation, using resistant varieties of onions, and using nematicides.

Onion doctor offers an Organic Feeding Program and Guide from Nursery- Harvesting time. For further information feel free to reach us.

• 6. Fertilization; Before planting, add compost manure or well decompost farmyard manure.

• 7. Watering: Water thoroughly after planting, and regularly thereafter, about once a week if there is no rain. Onions have shallow roots, so don’t let the soil at the base of the plants dry out and crack. Overwatering is equally problematic. If leaves develop a yellow tinge, cut back on watering. The closer to harvest time, the greater the need for water, but watch the plants carefully—when the onion tops start falling over, stop watering and let the soil dry out before harvesting. Drip irrigation comes in handy when watering your seedlings. Consider our drips. At Onion Doctor drip cost as follows:1 acre=ksh. 170,000  1/2acre=ksh. 85,000 1/4acre=ksh. 43,000 1/8=ksh. 22,000

• 8. Harvesting:When the leaves dry and turn brown, pull the onions by hand or with a garden fork. Moisten the dry soil lightly a day before harvesting. Loosen the soil around each bulb before lifting it to avoid damaging your onions. Damaged onions rot quickly.Cut the roots, trim the tops back to 1 or 2 inches (but leave the tops on if you are planning to braid the onions together).

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.