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Embark on a journey to successful onion farming in Kenya, where strategic planting, optimal varieties, and expert guidance from Onion Doctor converge to maximize profits. This comprehensive guide unveils the ideal planting time, onion varieties breakdown, and crucial conditions for a thriving onion farm.
Ideal Planting Time for Onions: Onions, especially bulb onions, have their prime planting time during Kenya’s short rains, which span from October to December. The subsequent harvest in January and February aligns with hot weather, creating a favorable environment for onion harvesting. This strategic timing capitalizes on Tanzania’s low onion supply, elevating local farmers’ profits. Additionally, post-March rains mark another opportune period for increased onion prices, offering farmers another window for lucrative harvests.
Bulb Onion Yield Per Acre: Understanding onion varieties is crucial for maximizing yields. The Texas Early Grano, well-adapted to tropical climates, matures in 120 days and yields up to 21 tonnes per acre. Bombay Red Onion, with a 150-day maturity, can produce up to 16 tonnes per acre. Red Pinoy, maturing in 90 days, boasts a potential yield of 30 tonnes per acre with extended storage capabilities. Red Creole, a Kenyan staple, matures in 150 days and yields up to 16 tonnes per acre.
Conditions for Successful Onion Farming: Optimal onion growth hinges on specific conditions. A temperature range of 15-30 degrees Celsius is ideal, with temperatures exceeding 30 degrees leading to premature maturity. Altitudes below 1900m ensure optimum cultivation conditions. Well-drained soils, including fine-tilth sandy to silty loams, promote healthy onion growth. Adequate rainfall of 500 to 700mm during growth is crucial, with drier weather favorable during maturity and curing. Maintaining a pH level of 6.0-6.8 ensures effective macronutrient absorption.
Onion Doctor’s Support for Smallholder Farmers: Enter the realm of success with Onion Doctor’s expert support. Offering quality and affordable onion and garlic seedlings, farm planning services, soil testing, drip irrigation installation and maintenance, agronomic guidance, value packs, farm management, e-extension, and on-farm training, Onion Doctor empowers smallholder farmers to optimize yields and achieve maximum profits.