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Bulb onion farming is gaining popularity among Kenyan farmers, especially on a small scale. In this guide, we explore the growing trend of red bulb onion farming and how Onion Doctor’s expertise can elevate your onion cultivation experience. From land preparation to bulb harvesting, we’ve got you covered with essential tips and guidance.
The Rise of Red Bulb Onion Farming in Kenya: Kenyan Farmers have been doing their best to address the demand and close the gap, but there is still more supply to be achieved. This makes the Red Bulb Onion a very attractive commercial investment for the Kenyan market at the moment, since local production is not enough.
Here at Onion Doctor we train and guide farmers throughout the onion farming process. Onion Doctor’s services include: Land preparation, High quality drought resistance seedlings, Drip kit and Installation services , Feeding program. Feel free to reach to us for a very detailed quotation.
Pros and Cons of Red Bulb Onion Farming: Importation of bulb onions from our neighboring countries reduces market availability for the locally produced onion. This discourages the small-scale farmers who have a lower competitive edge. Red bulb onions require certain conditioning. This include soil PH of 5.8-6.5, temperature of between 15-16c.suitable land, moderate short rainfall. At favorable weather conditions bed bulb onions take an average of 3-4 months to mature. The most suitable regions for farming in Kenya include parts of lower Eastern and Rift valley, as well as central part.
Farmers in these regions make use of the short rains to harvest their onions between the months of January and February. During this time, they have a large market to supply since there is lower supply from Tanzania. Harvesting is done during dry season. This is when the onions form a shiny cover around the foliage or when the foliage withers. The bulbs are pulled from the ground then the leaves are chopped off, before onion been dried in the sunlight and stored. Red bulb onions have a longer shelf live and can be stored for up to 5 months.
This is a good venture although farmers face a lot of challenges. Excess rainfall is the main threat. However, drip irrigation is the most ideal method of irrigation in such a case. Alternatively, farmers may decide to wait onset of short rains. Pests and disease also pose a threat to red bulb onion farming. With availability of herbicides and pesticides this should be controlled effectively. Red bulb has varieties which include; red create, Bombay red, Rio Grande, red pinary F1 and Red passion F1 just to mention a few.
Red bulb onion farming presents a lucrative opportunity for Kenyan farmers, and with the right guidance from Onion Doctor, success is within reach. Explore our comprehensive services, and let us help you optimize yields and maximize profits in your onion farming venture. Contact Onion Doctor today for quality and affordable support tailored to your agricultural needs.
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.