Is onion farming a smart agricultural investment on a ¼ acre piece of land? Yes!
The demand for onions in Kenya continues to rise therefore creating a high demand and low supply levels in the markets.
Investing in onion plantations can guarantee you a profitable gain in the future.
Onion Varieties suitable for our climatic Conditions
Onions come in various varieties. The commonly grown variety in Kenya includes the Texas Grano, Red Pinoy, Red Creole, and Red Bombay.
The use of Hybrid onion seeds guarantees high yields and increased disease resistant to common pests and diseases. Royal seeds.
Favorable Climatic Conditions
Onion as a vegetable grows best under these climatic conditions, 1900 meters above sea level and between 13 – 20 degrees Celsius.
In Kenya, the most favorable regions to grow onions include; Naivasha, Bugoma, Oloitotok, Kakamega, and Meru.
This does not mean that you cannot grow onions in your locality.
Like any other plant or crop, creating the most favorable conditions for growth is the most important aspect of farming.
How to Prepare Land for Planting
Onions grow to do well in well-drained, sandy, loamy soils with a pH of 5.5 – 7.5
Since onions are propagated from seeds you need to prepare a nursery bed for planting.
Once this is done raise the nursery bed to the recommended specifications of 1 cm wide and 50cm long.
The width is important; it allows you to work on the seedlings without stretching far away.
How to Plant your Onions
Let’s get down to the real business of planting our seeds. Remember to always follow the guidelines on the seed packaging.
Dig shallow furrows 15 cm apart and plant your seeds mixed with sand for improved seed spread.
Immediately after planting mulch your seedbed to prevent weeds from growing.
Water your nursery frequently during the first 7 – 10 days of germination.
After this water, the seedlings accordingly avoid a water log which kills the plants.
Best Plant Husbandry practices
Well done! Now that your plants are starting to germinate, nurturing them becomes the next part of the venture.
After the tenth day your seedlings begin to germinate, remove the mulch and create an overhead cover to protect your plants from direct sunlight.
Watch out for pests and diseases that strike your plants. By weeding regularly and application of preferred fertilizer you allow your plants to have the maximum growth hence yields.
Transplant happens at 6 weeks, then seedlings have developed three to five strong leaves and pencil-like base.
Manage shock levels during transplant by removing overhead shed one week earlier. This allows the plants to become accustomed to direct sunlight enabling plant survival levels.
Once transplanting has taken place remember to continue with the plant husbandry until harvest time.
Harvesting, Packaging, and Storage
It has been an informative venture, right?
Onions mature 3 -4 months after plantation.
It’s harvest time when plants dry off their leaves, or bulbs begin to bulge from the ground. To improve drying, uproot the plants and cut off the leaves.
Onions are well dried under shade this reduces burn from direct sunlight and withering of the bulbs.
Package your products in well-aerated nets, this prevents moisture build-up which lowers product quality.
Potential Markets
There is always a demand for onions within your surroundings. Look for the best bidder for your product and sell it to them.
Kenya imports 50% of its onions from neighboring country Tanzania, even with such high imports the demand for onions continues to soar.
Potential Earnings
Let’s see how your ¼ of an acre can make you a good earning at the end of the venture.
Investing an approximate amount of Ksh 50,000 – 100,000.
Estimated production of 4,000 – 6,000 kilograms of onions.
1 Kg of onion selling @ Ksh.50 * 6,000 = Ksh. 300,000 (Gross Profit).
Net Profit = 300,000 – 100,000 = 200,000.
My Thoughts
Onion farming does not require large space.
Within your available land, make a good earning.
Lastly, onions come in varieties, pick your choice and strategically become a farmer of the 21st Century.
Jackpot!!
