Onions are delicious and popular food for cooking in many cultures. However, many people might not know the details of how to grow onions or even where they grow. Currently, most of Kenya’s supply is grown by smallholder farmers who sell their produce at local markets for about KES 80 per kilo. Join this blog article as it takes you on a comprehensive journey through onion farming in Kenya.
Introduction to Onion Farming in Kenya
Onions are a staple in Kenyan cuisine. They are used to add flavor and spice to many dishes, including stews, curries, and salads. Onion farming in Kenya is a lucrative business because of the high demand for onions. However, onion farming is not without its challenges. The biggest challenge is dealing with pests and diseases that can destroy crops.
Kenya is an ideal location for growing onions. The climate is warm and sunny, which is perfect for onion cultivation. The soil in Kenya is also fertile, making it easy to grow healthy onion plants.
To start an onion farm in Kenya, you will need to obtain some quality seeds from a reputable supplier. Once you have your seeds, you will need to prepare the land for planting. This includes tilling the soil and adding compost or manure to improve its fertility. After the land is prepared, you can plant your onion seeds.
It is important to water your onion plants regularly during the growing season. This will help them produce large, juicy bulbs. To harvest your onions, pull them out of the ground when they are mature. Be sure to cure them before storing or selling them by drying them in the sun for a few days.
What is the Best Soil for Growing Onions in Kenya?
Onions are a root crop that is commonly grown in Kenya. The best soil for growing onions is well-drained, sandy loam soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8. Onions do not tolerate wet or poorly drained soils. They also require high levels of nitrogen and potassium for optimal growth.
What’s the Right Onion Variety for Kenya?
Different onion varieties can be grown in Kenya, but not all of them will produce the same results. Some onion varieties are better suited to certain climate conditions than others, so choosing the right variety for your farm is important.
One of the most popular onion varieties in Kenya is red onion. Red onions are well-suited to Kenyan climate conditions and produce a high yield. Another popular variety is the white onion, which is well-suited to Kenyan conditions and produces a good yield.
If you’re looking for an onion that is especially resistant to disease, you should consider growing the yellow onion. Yellow onions are less susceptible to diseases that affect other types of onions, making them a good choice for farmers who want to minimize crop loss.
No matter what type of onion you choose to grow, selecting a variety adapted to Kenyan conditions is important. By doing so, you’ll maximize your chances of success and ensure that your farm produces a high-quality crop.
How do you Plant Onions and Harvest Them?
Onions are a staple in Kenyan cuisine, used in everything from stews to salads. They’re also a key ingredient in many other dishes worldwide. So it’s no surprise that onion farming is a big business in Kenya.
If you’re considering getting into onion farming, here’s what you need to know.
Onions are best planted in well-drained soil that’s rich in organic matter. They can be planted as seeds or seedlings. If you’re planting seeds, sow them about 1cm deep and 5cm apart. If you’re planting seedlings, transplant them into about 10cm deep and 15cm apart holes.
Water the onions regularly, especially during dry spells. Onions are ready to harvest when the tops start to fall over. To harvest, carefully lift the onions out of the ground with a garden fork or spade. Brush off any dirt and allow the onions to cure in the sun for a few days before storing them in a cool, dark place.
With a bit of care and attention, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown onions all year round!
How Many Onions Can You Get from One Acre of Land?
Onions are a staple in many Kenyan households. They are used in cooking to add flavor and zest to food. Onions can be grown on any size farm, from a small home garden to large commercial farms. However, the yield of onion per acre varies depending on the variety of onions planted, farming practices used, and climatic conditions.
Kenya’s average yield of onion per acre is about 15-20 tonnes. This can be increased to 30-40 tonnes with improved farming practices such as using quality seed, proper spacing, correct fertilizer application, and irrigation. Good Storage facilities are also important to reduce post-harvest losses, which can be as high as 50%.
With the current price of onions at KES 80-120 per kg, one can earn a gross income of KES 1.2 million – 1.9 million from an acre of land.
Conclusion
Onions are an important part of Kenyan cuisine, and they are also a crop that is relatively easy to farm. If you are thinking of starting your own onion farm in Kenya, we hope this guide has been helpful. There are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to onion farming, but if you follow our tips, you should be able to get started without any problems. Thanks for reading, and we wish you the best of luck with your new venture!
Related reading;
Nice article on onion farming
Onion farming is a profitable