Onion farming is a lucrative venture if done well. With prices sky rocketing, there has never been a better time to grow onions. But first, lets get it right.
Gross margin analysis and Onion Farming in Kenya Profitability.
Wondering if onion farming is financially rewarding? Let’s delve into the numbers.
On a well-managed acre of land, onion cultivation can yield up to an impressive 18 tons. Considering the farm gate price of onions in 2023/2024, which hovers around 120 Ksh per kilogram, the potential returns seem promising.
Even in a conservative scenario where the harvest is only 7 tons instead of the optimal 18 tons, the revenue generated per acre would still amount to a substantial 840,000 Ksh. Against this, the estimated cost of production stands at 190,000 Ksh per acre.
With a growing period of approximately 4.5 months, the calculated profit per acre comes out to be around 650,000 Ksh.
Revenue:
Total revenue = Yield (in kg) * Price per kg
= 7,000 kg * 120 Ksh/kg
= 840,000 Ksh per acre
Cost of Production:
The cost of production is estimated to be 190,000 Ksh per acre.
Profit Calculation: for onion farming in kenya
Gross profit = Revenue – Cost of production
= 840,000 Ksh – 190,000 Ksh
= 650,000 Ksh per acre.
Based on these calculations, even in a worst-case scenario, onion farming can still be profitable, with an estimated profit of 650,000 Ksh per acre.
By seeking expert guidance and aiming for a more ambitious target yield of 15 tons per acre, the profit potential can significantly escalate. In this scenario, the projected returns soar to approximately 1.5 million Ksh per acre.
Therefore, based on these figures, it’s evident that onion farming holds substantial profitability.
But what about the risk of crop failure and potential loss of investment?
The answer lies in a combination of factors. While there’s always a possibility of crop failure in onion farming, it can be mitigated through careful planning and execution.
Factors such as selecting the right onion varieties, aligning planting schedules with market demands and climatic conditions, implementing sound farming practices, and seeking expert advice play crucial roles in determining the success of the project.
Barring unforeseen natural occurrences, it’s often ignorance and oversight that pose the greatest risks to onion farming in Kenya. Every step of the process—from site selection to irrigation setup, timing, seed selection, pest and disease management, and overall farm management—should be approached with diligence and attention to detail.
By prioritizing knowledge, expert assistance and meticulousness, onion farmers can significantly minimize the likelihood of crop failure and safeguard their investments effectively.
Factors to Consider before starting onion farming in Kenya.
Timing
When is the best time to grow onions in kenya? Many farmers ask.
Determining the optimal timing for onion farming in kenya is a common query among farmers. While consistency is key, the timing of harvest holds significant importance. While some opt for year-round production, others aim to capitalize on peak market conditions.
In my view, striking the jackpot isn’t necessary to profit from onion farming. By focusing on increasing yields, even selling onions during periods of low market prices, such as 30 Ksh per kg, can still be profitable.
When planning onion farming in Kenya, understanding the weather patterns specific to your locality is crucial. Avoid harvesting during periods of heavy rainfall, as this can impact crop quality. Onions typically require 4.5 months from nursery to maturity. Calculating backward from high rainfall months in your area can help determine the optimal time to begin your nursery.
For those aiming to hit the jackpot, May and June are prime months for harvesting. This entails sowing the nursery between mid-January and mid-February. During these months, there is often a shortage of onions, leading to higher prices. Farmers may even sell twice as much during this period.
However, it’s essential to note that this period is preceded by a surplus from Tanzania, typically occurring from July to October, resulting in lower prices for Kenyan onions. This trend persisted for many years, only deviating in 2023 due to altered production in Tanzania caused by heavy rains. This led to prices soaring as high as 250 Ksh per kg in Daresalam, resulting in a scarcity of onions for importation in Kenya. It’s anticipated that this trend will continue in 2024 before potentially returning to normalcy in 2025 where we expect Tanzania to resume normal production.
So if you are wondering whether to plant onions or not, there has never been a better time than now.
Resources
Before starting your onion farming in kenya project, ensure you have the resources or access to what is needed to start and finish the project. This is your checklist of everything you need.
Finances- Set aside a budget for your Onion farming project. You should have cost breakdown of your project from start to finish. Click here to view or download a sample cost breakdown for growing 1 acre of onions in kenya.
Land- Ensure you have arable land with a good soil profile before starting.
Water access- Water is the most important aspect of your whole project. You must be able to access irrigation water as near to the farm as possible. This could be a permanent river, stream or borehole. Click here to view a cost breakdown for drilling a borehole.
Labor access- The area where you are doing the onion farming should have readily available labor. Cheap labor is an added advantage. In most areas, labor should range between 300-350 working 8am to 2pm. 50ksh extra is paid per hour thereafter. However it is important to agree with your workers early on before they start to work. Be clear on extra hours, lunch or tea break provision or any other treatment.
Irrigation- Another thing to consider is the type of irrigation to apply in your project. This will be hugely dependable of your finance resource. Whether drip, basin, pivot or furrow irrigation, efficiency is the key. If you are looking for low cost irrigation, basin and furrow irrigation will do just fine. If you are looking for precision and efficient water delivery to the plants, then drip irrigation and pivot irrigation will serve you well. To understand the onion irrigation requirements better and cost of irrigation in growing onion with the different methods, read more on this link.
Soil fertility check- Mostly ignored by many onions farmers in kenya, yet a very fundamental item in your onion farming project. It is paramount to ensure you carry out a comprehensive soil analysis before starting your onion farming in kenya project. This is because onions ne specific macro and micro nutrients to thrive and yield well. Infact access to this nutrients may boost the plants ability to fight off diseases that may otherwise require costly intervention to control. Collect your soil samples or contact a profession from our list of soil experts to collect samples for free and bring them to any of our affiliated labs for a thorough analysis. Your soil report will be attached with all recommendations and correction guidelines to ensure successful onion farming. A comprehensive soil test will cost you 4500 ksh and will take two weeks for the result to come back.
Security- When starting your onion farming in kenya, consider the security of the area. This will ensure safety of equipment and inputs that are necessary to keep your project going. If need be, you may consider hiring security personnel to guard your project. CCTV installation on stores can help you cub accountability and theft issues.
Climate and timing- This is another often ignored subject by onion farmers in kenya and accounts to significant losses many have encountered. Some onion varieties are climate and altitude sensitive and may not perform well in some climate setting or altitude. It is important to understand the climate or rainfall patterns and elevation of the area before venturing into onion farming. This will be your guide to the selection of the best variety to plant.
Variety Selection- Once you are ready to start your onion farming in kenya, you may face the hurdle of selecting the right onion variety best suited for your growing area. Make no mistake of starting off with the wrong onion variety as the consequences may be loss of your investment. There is a huge portfolio to choose from when it comes to onion varieties grown in kenya and to get the right variety may challenge you in the ever growing seed market. It is therefore import to consider prolific varieties that can adapt to various climatic conditions and patterns. The most important is to understand the climate of your area and then select a variety that best suits those climatic conditions and elevation.
Starting Onion Farming in Kenya.
Now that you have everything in check. Lets get started.
Onions can be grown from seed or seedlings. You can buy ready seedlings from our list of verified propagators or you can start your onion nursery from scratch. Starting off with ready seedlings from nursery raisers may however be costly compared to starting your onion nursery, but different factors may lead you to consider starting your onion farming journey with seedlings.
Timing- You may want to take advantage of both market or weather timing. If rainfall is anticipated and you may want to leverage that as your water source, then seedlings is a perfect way to get started, this means you will be able to get a boost from the rainfall and reduce irrigation cost or avoid it altogether.
Market timing is also another factor that may have you deciding to start off from seedlings. There are periods of peak demand and you may have missed the nursery timing. You may consider starting off from seedlings to save the time needed in the nursery and just plant directly. In 2-3 months your seedlings will be fully grown onions for the fresh market. However before you go the seedlings way, ensure you are aware of the variety being supplied to you. And because its impossible to know the variety by just looking at the seedlings, ensure you get them from a trusted raiser or sign a surety form with your supplier to ensure that the variety you want is what you get. We recommend you become our member and get cheap access to our own nurseries and seedlings, bring your own seeds for propagation or buy from any of our affiliated raisers where you can read reviews from other farmers. For the seedlings cost, you may spend 1-2 ksh per seedling depending on where you buy. The plant density for 1 acre of onions is 150,000-250,000 per acre. If you can overlook the cost, then seedlings are a time saver. Read more on this topic Here.
ONION NURSERY SET UP
When starting your own nursery, the cost will be cheaper compared to buying ready seedlings, unless maybe you are just considering to use the seedlings rather for infilling left portions of your farm where the seedlings from your nursery could not cover.
For a 1acre project use 1kg of seeds with 250,000 – 270,000 seed count. However adding an extra 250g or more may give you an upper hand in the case germination rate is low.
How to prepare your onion nursery for 1kg seeds.
Mark out an area measuring about 6m by 10m.
Clear the area of any grass and rocks.
Fine till the area and ensure there are no boulders.
Make raised beds or basins depending on your preferred method of irrigation.
Make shallow furrows along the beds and broadcast your seeds along the Furrows and cover lightly with soil.
Line up your drip lines across the furrows.
Cover with mulch and water thoroughly
Repeat watering every day or every two days depending on the water retention capacity of your soil and mode of irrigation.
Do you need to apply fertilizer during sowing of onions?
You don't necessarily need to apply fertilizer during the sowing of onions. The primary goal during sowing is to facilitate seed germination, which is largely determined by factors such as soil quality, moisture levels, and temperature. Onions do not require heavy fertilization during germination. Instead, focus on providing a well-draining soil mix, maintaining consistent moisture, and ensuring appropriate temperatures for optimal germination.
Once the onion seedlings have emerged, you can consider applying a balanced fertilizer to support their growth and development. However, it's worth noting that seeds planted with NPK fertilizers may exhibit more robust growth after germination.
Post Germination Care
After germination, proper care is essential to ensure the healthy growth of onion seedlings. Here are some tips for post-germination care:
1. Patience: Under ideal conditions, onion seeds typically germinate within 7 days. However, if germination is not observed after 7 days, remain patient and wait until the tenth day. Often, seedlings may emerge slightly later, especially if conditions are not optimal.
2. Mulch Removal: Once seedlings have emerged, remove any mulch covering the soil gently to expose the seedlings to sunlight. Be careful not to disturb or uproot the delicate seedlings while removing the mulch.
3. Sunlight Exposure: Exposing the seedlings to sunlight is crucial for their growth and development. Once the mulch is removed, allow the seedlings to receive adequate sunlight, which they have been eagerly awaiting. This will promote healthy growth and photosynthesis.
4. Timing: Avoid leaving the seedlings on the nursery bed for more than 10 days after germination. Prolonged exposure to darkness under the mulch can cause the seedlings to elongate and become entangled in the mulch, making it difficult to remove without causing damage.
5. Gentle Handling: Handle the seedlings with care to avoid damaging their delicate roots and shoots. When transplanting or handling seedlings, do so gently to minimize stress and promote healthy growth.
By following these guidelines for post-germination care, you can ensure the successful establishment of onion seedlings and set the stage for a productive growing season.
After removing mulch, you will notice a few things:
1. Yellow Seedlings: Some seedlings may appear yellowish in color initially. This is a normal occurrence and is often temporary. The yellowing typically fades away after 2-3 days of exposure to sunlight as the seedlings adjust to their new environment.
2. Anthills: It's possible that anthills may be present in the nursery beds after mulch removal. While ants themselves typically do not cause significant harm to onion seedlings, their presence may be undesirable. If concerned about the population of ants, they can be easily eradicated using an appropriate insecticide.
3. Curled Seedlings: Curled seedlings are also a common occurrence during germination and early growth stages. This curling is a natural response of the seedlings to environmental conditions and is generally not a cause for concern.
It's important to ensure that all mulch is completely removed from the beds before starting any spray program or applying insecticides. This helps prevent interference with the effectiveness of the spray and ensures proper contact with the soil and seedlings.
Spray program for Onions Seedlings at the Nursery.
For the spray program for onion seedlings at the nursery, it's crucial to initiate the program a day after mulch removal to address any potential fungal issues in the soil or mulch. Here's a suggested spray program:
Day 1 after Germination:
- Spray: Apply a preventive fungicide, foliar, and insecticide mixture. It's recommended to use a balanced foliar fertilizer that contains essential nutrients to supply the young seedlings with balanced nutrition throughout the nursery stage. This helps promote healthy growth and development while addressing potential fungal and insect issues.
By implementing this spray program, you can help protect onion seedlings from fungal diseases and insect pests while providing essential nutrients for optimal growth during the nursery stage. Regular monitoring and adjustment of the spray program may be necessary based on specific conditions and pest and disease pressures.
Starting the spray program early and following it diligently can help prevent infestations and minimize the need for interventions or changes in the regime. However, if any abnormal appearance is noticed on the leaves, it's important to contact an agronomist for expert advice on the appropriate course of action. Guesswork or trial and error in the spray regime should be avoided to ensure effective pest and disease management.
Our onion spray program consists of carefully selected and tried-and-tested products specifically suited for the nursery stage. Many farmers have successfully used this combination, saving them both cost and headaches associated with pest and disease management.
The products in our spray program include:
- Balanced granular foliar (1kg)
- Highly effective insecticide
- Preventive/curative first-action fungicide
- Sticker
When applied well and in a timely manner, these products are all you need for your nursery. We offer free delivery nationwide. Purchase your spray program here:
By utilizing our proven spray program, you can effectively protect your onion seedlings and ensure their healthy development during the critical nursery stage.
For optimal results, it's recommended to spray the onion seedlings every 7 days throughout the nursery stage. By maintaining this regular spraying schedule, you can effectively protect the seedlings from pests and diseases while promoting healthy growth.
With proper care and regular spraying, your onion seedlings will be ready for transplanting in approximately 45 days. This timeline allows for sufficient time for the seedlings to develop strong roots and foliage, ensuring successful establishment in the field after transplanting.
By adhering to a consistent spray schedule and closely monitoring the progress of the seedlings, you can help ensure their optimal health and readiness for transplanting, ultimately contributing to a successful onion farming venture.
Pre transplanting preparations
Preparing for onion transplanting requires careful timing and attention to detail. Here are some important steps to take in the pre-transplanting phase:
1. Start Land Preparation Early: Begin land preparation at least 2 weeks before the scheduled transplanting date. Avoid tilling the land too early, as this may result in weed emergence by the time the seedlings are ready for transplanting. Use this time to prepare the land by creating furrows, basins, or raised beds, depending on your preferred planting method. Additionally, amend the soil with organic matter at a rate of 5 tons per acre to improve soil fertility and provide optimal growing conditions for the onion seedlings after transplanting.
2. Thoroughly Irrigate the Nursery: Two days before transplanting, thoroughly irrigate the nursery bed. This ensures that the soil is adequately moist, making the transplanting process easier and helping prevent root damage. Moist soil allows the seedlings to come off the nursery bed more easily, reducing the risk of root disturbance during transplanting. Avoid uprooting the seedlings when the soil is dry, as this can lead to stress and damage to the delicate root systems.
This ensures that your onion seedlings have the best possible start in their new growing environment, setting the stage for healthy growth and successful onion production.
Hardening Onion Seedlings before Transplanting.
Your seedlings should be strong enough to survive the next phase of growth after transplanting. Out in the field, under the scorching sun, many uncertainties lie ahead. This include, root failure and ununiformed onions. Good news is that we can prevent this from happening by trimming the onion seedlings.
Ultimately, the timing of trimming should be tailored to the specific conditions and goals of your onion crop. If you’re aiming for uniform growth, you may trim earlier to encourage more consistent size among the seedlings. Conversely, if you’re prioritizing root development, you may wait until the seedlings are slightly larger before trimming.
A common recommendation is to trim onion seedlings when they reach a certain height or number of leaves rather than at a specific growth stage.
Typically, onion seedlings can be trimmed when they have developed 2-3 sets of true leaves. At this stage, the seedlings have established a strong root system and can withstand the stress of trimming. It’s important not to trim too early when the seedlings are still establishing themselves, as this can stunt growth.
When trimming, it’s advisable to leave at least 2-3 inches of foliage above the soil level to ensure that the plants can continue photosynthesizing and producing energy. Trim the seedlings with sharp, clean scissors or shears to minimize damage to the plants and prevent infection.
If the onion variety you plant tends to show ununiformed growth, trimming early enough can help. If your goal is to achieve uniform growth among your onion seedlings rather than prioritizing root development, you may want to trim them at an earlier stage.
Trimming at an earlier stage encourages the seedlings to allocate more energy to producing a uniform size and shape rather than focusing on root development.
For uniform growth, consider trimming the onion seedlings when they have developed one to two sets of true leaves. At this stage, the seedlings are still relatively small and trimming can help promote more uniform growth patterns among them. Be sure to leave enough foliage after trimming to allow for continued photosynthesis and energy production.
If you’re aiming to prioritize root development in your onion seedlings, it’s best to delay trimming until the seedlings have established a strong root system. Trimming too early can divert energy away from root growth and may result in weaker plants.
For promoting root development, allow the onion seedlings to grow until they have developed at least 2-3 sets of true leaves or until they reach a height of about 4-6 inches, depending on the variety and growing conditions. At this stage, the seedlings have established a robust root system and can better handle the stress of trimming.
Delaying trimming allows the seedlings to focus on developing a healthy root system, which is crucial for nutrient uptake, water absorption, and overall plant vigor. Once the root system is well-established, you can trim the seedlings to promote uniform growth or address overcrowding, if necessary.
Remember to always use clean, sharp scissors or shears when trimming seedlings to minimize damage and reduce the risk of disease transmission. Additionally, provide adequate water and nutrients to support healthy root development throughout the growing process.
Trimming onion seedlings at the nursery before transplanting can have several advantages:
Promotes Root Growth: Trimming the top growth encourages the development of a strong root system. With less foliage to support, the plant can allocate more energy to root development, which can result in healthier and more robust plants after transplanting.
Reduces Transplant Shock: By removing some of the top growth, you reduce the demand for water and nutrients immediately after transplanting. This can help the seedlings cope better with the stress of being moved to a new environment, reducing transplant shock and increasing survival rates.
Encourages Uniform Growth: Trimming seedlings can promote more uniform growth among the plants. This can be particularly beneficial if you’re aiming for consistent size and maturity at harvest.
Increases Air Circulation: Trimming can also improve air circulation around the seedlings, reducing the risk of fungal diseases and promoting overall plant health.
Note: Timing Consideration: Trimming at the wrong stage or too early can hinder growth and development, so if you’re unsure or not confident in the timing, it may be better to avoid trimming altogether.
Start land preparation at least 2 weeks before transplanting. Avoid tilling the land early on because weeds will have emerged by the time the seedlings are ready. 2 weeks before transplanting gives you good time to prepare your land, whether furrows, or basins or raised beds. During this time amend your souk with organic matter at the rate of 5t per acre to provide optimal growing conditions for the onion seedlings after transplanting.
Irrigate the nursery thoroughly 2 days before transplanting. This will enable the transplant activity to be easy and will help prevent root damage as the soil will be moist enough for the seedlings to come off easily. Avoid uprooting the seedlings when the soil is dry.
Watering the nursery a day or two before transplanting onion seedlings is advisable for several reasons:
1. Moisture Preparation: Pre-watering the nursery ensures that the soil is adequately moistened before transplanting. Moist soil facilitates easier extraction of the seedlings and minimizes root damage during transplanting.
2. Hydration of Seedlings: Adequately hydrated seedlings have a better chance of surviving transplant shock. By watering the nursery before transplanting, you help ensure that the seedlings are well-hydrated and less susceptible to stress during the transition to their new growing location.
3. Soil Settling: Watering the nursery helps settle the soil, reducing the likelihood of air pockets around the roots of the seedlings after transplanting. Air pockets can hinder root growth and lead to poor establishment of the transplants.
4. Facilitates Transplanting: Moist soil makes it easier to remove seedlings from the nursery trays or containers without causing damage to the roots. This can result in smoother and more successful transplanting.
Overall, pre-watering the nursery helps create optimal conditions for successful transplanting and improves the chances of survival and healthy growth for your onion seedlings.
Land Irrigation and fertilizer application before transplanting
Irrigating your land and applying planting fertilizer are crucial steps to take before transplanting onion seedlings. Here's why:
1. Irrigation:
- It's important to irrigate the land thoroughly a day before transplanting. If you're using drip irrigation, ensure that the lines are properly positioned on the beds and allow water to flow through to wet the beds evenly.
- Adequately moistened soil ensures that the onion seedlings' roots have immediate access to water after transplanting. This promotes rapid root establishment and reduces the risk of dehydration and stress, helping the seedlings acclimate to their new environment more effectively.
2. Fertilizer Application:
- Apply planting fertilizer, such as DAP (Diammonium phosphate) or NPK (Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium), based on recommendations from your soil report.
- Your soil report should provide guidance on the type of fertilizer and the application rate per acre. Following these recommendations ensures that the onion seedlings receive the necessary nutrients for healthy growth and development.
By irrigating the land and applying fertilizer before transplanting, you set the stage for optimal growing conditions, providing the onion seedlings with the best possible start in their new environment.
Transplanting Onion Seedlings
Transplanting onion seedlings is a critical step in your farming journey, marking the beginning of a new chapter and determining the success of your hard work. Here's a guide to ensure a smooth and efficient transplanting process:
1. Early Uprooting: Have two people arrive one hour early on the farm to start uprooting the seedlings from the nursery. This allows for a head start to avoid wasting time during planting. Carefully uproot the seedlings, ensuring not to damage the delicate roots. Bundle the seedlings together and cover them in readiness for transplanting.
2. Planting Spacing: When transplanting, maintain a distance of 7.5cm between plants and 20cm between rows. A bed of 1m width should accommodate approximately 3 rows of drips, with up to 6 rows of onions planted on both sides of the drip line.
3. Basin Irrigation: For basin irrigation, ensure that a 1m by 1m area contains at least 80-100 plants. To prevent the formation of excessively large onions, keep the onions close together, leaving just enough space for bulb formation.
4. Transplanting Process: Transplanting 1 acre of land using 10-12 people will take approximately 3 days. Ensure no wastage of seedlings, and every seedling, no matter how tiny, is rooted to the ground.
5. Maintain Consistent Depth: Maintain the same depth as in the nursery when transplanting. Place only the root section into the ground, using one finger to push the root into the moist soil while leaving the rest of the seedling above the soil. This prevents the onion bulb from forming beneath the soil, which can compromise quality and color. Planting too deep can also inhibit root development and lead to poor growth.
6. Handle Seedlings Carefully: Handle onion seedlings with care to avoid damaging the delicate roots and foliage. Rough handling can cause transplant shock, reducing the chances of successful establishment.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure a successful and efficient transplanting process, setting the stage for healthy onion growth and a bountiful harvest.
After Transplant Care
After transplanting, it's essential to provide diligent care to ensure the healthy growth of your onion seedlings. Here are some key aspects to focus on:
1. Irrigation Regime: Stay faithful to the irrigation regime and ensure that your onion plants do not become stressed due to water shortages. Consistent and adequate irrigation is crucial for promoting healthy growth and preventing water stress.
2. Fertilizer Requirements: Proper fertilization is critical for the continuous growth and development of your onions. Refer to the soil test you conducted earlier to determine the appropriate nutrient levels and the type of fertilizers needed. Consult with an agronomist to review your soil report and receive recommendations for the best fertilizer program suited to your soil conditions.
3. Root Establishment: After transplanting, onion seedlings typically begin to establish their root systems within the first few days to weeks. During this period, the seedlings focus on developing strong and healthy roots to anchor themselves in the soil and absorb water and nutrients. Monitor the growth of the seedlings and ensure that they receive the necessary care and nutrients to support root development.
4. Environmental Factors: Consider environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and sunlight exposure, which can influence the growth and development of onion seedlings. Provide optimal growing conditions to promote healthy growth and minimize stress on the plants. By paying attention to these aspects of post-transplant care, you can help ensure the successful establishment and growth of your onion seedlings, setting the stage for a productive onion crop.
Post Transplant Shock and What to do
Post-transplant shock can occur when onion seedlings undergo stress after being transplanted into their new growing environment. Symptoms of transplant shock may include wilting, yellowing of leaves, stunted growth, or even death of the seedlings. Here’s what you can do to help your onion seedlings recover from transplant shock:
1. Watering: Ensure that the soil around the seedlings remains consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Water the seedlings immediately after transplanting and continue to provide regular irrigation as needed, especially during hot or dry periods.
2. Fertilization: If necessary, apply a diluted, balanced fertilizer to provide essential nutrients to the seedlings. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can further stress the plants. Consider using organic fertilizers or compost to provide a gentle nutrient boost. Just a gentle foliar application can help them coupe and overcome the stress.
3. Patience: Allow time for the seedlings to recover and adjust to their new environment.
By providing proper care and attention, most onion seedlings can recover from transplant shock and resume healthy growth. However, it’s essential to monitor the seedlings closely and talk to an expert on proactive measures to address any issues that may arise.
SPRAY PROGRAM AFTER TRANSPLANTING ONIONS
After transplanting, incorporating foliar feeding into your fertilizer program can significantly enhance the development of your onion crop. Here's a suggested approach for a comprehensive spray program:
1. Initial Weeks: Begin with a fertilizer blend that is high in phosphorus (P) during the first few weeks after transplanting. Phosphorus promotes strong root development, which is crucial for the establishment of onion seedlings in their new environment.
2. Later Stages: Transition to a fertilizer blend that is high in nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) as the onion bulbs start to emerge. Nitrogen supports leafy green growth and overall plant vigor, while potassium enhances bulb development and quality.
3. Foliar Blend: Choose a foliar blend that contains both macro and micronutrients to provide your onion plants with an extra boost of essential elements. Many soils may lack sufficient levels of micronutrients such as boron, zinc, manganese, and others, which are crucial for the overall quality of the final onion product.
4. Macro and Micronutrients: Macro nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are essential for plant growth and development. However, micronutrients such as calcium, magnesium, copper, iron, zinc, manganese, and sodium are equally important, albeit required in smaller quantities, for various physiological processes within the plant.
Analyzing a soil report can provide valuable insights into the nutrient levels and deficiencies present in your soil. Addressing these deficiencies through targeted fertilization and foliar feeding can help optimize the quality and yield of your onion crop.
By implementing a well-rounded spray program that addresses both macro and micronutrient needs, you can support the healthy growth and development of your onions, ultimately leading to a high-quality harvest.
An example of a soil sample report is attached here:
Based on the soil report provided, it's evident that there are certain nutrient deficiencies that need to be addressed to support the healthy growth of onion plants:
1. Nitrogen (N) Deficiency: Although nitrogen availability is moderate, it may not be adequate for optimal plant growth. Nitrogen is essential for leafy green growth and overall plant vigor. Therefore, supplementing nitrogen through fertilization is necessary to promote healthy foliage development and maximize yield potential.
2. Phosphorus (P) Deficiency: Phosphorus availability is very low in the soil, indicating a significant deficiency. Phosphorus is critical for root development, energy transfer, and overall plant growth. Addressing this deficiency is crucial to ensure proper root establishment and support early growth stages of onion seedlings.
3. Potassium (K) Availability: Potassium availability is adequate in the soil, which is a positive aspect. Potassium plays a vital role in various physiological processes within the plant, including water uptake, nutrient transport, and disease resistance. Maintaining adequate potassium levels helps promote overall plant health and resilience.
4. Microelement Deficiencies: The soil report indicates deficiencies in microelements such as copper and zinc, which are essential for the overall health and development of onion plants. Copper is involved in enzyme activation and plays a role in plant metabolism, while zinc is crucial for various biochemical processes and hormone regulation. Addressing these deficiencies is important to ensure optimal plant health and productivity.
Based on this soil analysis, a targeted fertilizer program should be implemented to address nitrogen and phosphorus deficiencies, while also providing necessary microelements such as copper and zinc. By addressing nutrient deficiencies identified in the soil report, you can optimize soil fertility and support the healthy growth of onion plants, ultimately leading to a successful harvest.
Micronutrients such as calcium, magnesium, copper, manganese, iron, zinc, boron, and sodium play crucial roles in the overall health and growth of onion plants. Here’s a breakdown of their importance and the consequences of their deficiency:
1. Calcium (Ca):
- Importance: Calcium is essential for cell wall structure and strength, cell division, and overall plant structure and stability.
- Deficiency Consequences: Calcium deficiency can lead to poor root development, stunted growth, and disorders such as tip burn in onions.
2. Magnesium (Mg):
- Importance: Magnesium is a component of chlorophyll, essential for photosynthesis, enzyme activation, and nutrient uptake.
- Deficiency Consequences: Magnesium deficiency can result in chlorosis (yellowing) of leaves, reduced growth, and poor fruit or bulb development in onions.
3. Copper (Cu):
- Importance: Copper is involved in enzyme activation, chlorophyll synthesis, and lignin formation.
- Deficiency Consequences: Copper deficiency can lead to chlorosis, reduced photosynthesis, and impaired reproductive development in onions.
4. Manganese (Mn):
- Importance: Manganese is essential for photosynthesis, enzyme activation, and nitrogen metabolism.
- Deficiency Consequences: Manganese deficiency can cause chlorosis, leaf distortion, and reduced growth in onions.
5. Iron (Fe):
- Importance: Iron is necessary for chlorophyll synthesis, electron transport, and enzyme activation.
- Deficiency Consequences: Iron deficiency can result in chlorosis, reduced photosynthesis, and overall poor growth in onions.
6. Zinc (Zn):
- Importance: Zinc is involved in enzyme activation, hormone regulation, and protein synthesis.
- Deficiency Consequences: Zinc deficiency can lead to stunted growth, malformed leaves, and reduced bulb or fruit development in onions.
7. Boron (B):
- Importance: Boron is essential for cell wall formation, pollination, and carbohydrate metabolism.
- Deficiency Consequences: Boron deficiency can cause brittle leaves, hollow stems, and abnormal flower and fruit development in onions.
8. Sodium (Na):
- Importance: Sodium plays a role in osmotic regulation and ion balance in plants.
- Deficiency Consequences: Sodium deficiency is rare in most soils, but excessive sodium can lead to ion imbalance and toxicity in onions.
Addressing micronutrient deficiencies in onion plants is crucial for maintaining their overall health, maximizing yield potential, and preventing disorders or abnormalities that can affect crop quality and marketability.
On the other hand, deficiency of macro elements nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (often referred to as NPK) can indeed have adverse effects on crop yield and performance due to their crucial roles in plant growth and development:
1. Nitrogen (N):
- Importance: Nitrogen is essential for the synthesis of amino acids, proteins, and chlorophyll, which are necessary for plant growth, photosynthesis, and overall metabolic processes.
- Effects of Deficiency: Nitrogen deficiency can result in stunted growth, pale or yellowing leaves (chlorosis), reduced leaf size, delayed maturity, and decreased yield in onion plants.
2. Phosphorus (P):
- Importance: Phosphorus is involved in energy transfer (ATP), root development, flowering, and fruit or bulb formation. It also plays a crucial role in DNA and RNA synthesis.
- Effects of Deficiency: Phosphorus deficiency can lead to poor root development, reduced flowering and fruiting, delayed maturity, and decreased yield in onions. Plants may also exhibit dark green or purplish leaves and smaller bulbs.
3. Potassium (K):
- Importance: Potassium regulates water uptake, osmotic pressure, enzyme activation, and photosynthesis. It also improves disease resistance and overall plant vigor.
- Effects of Deficiency: Potassium deficiency can cause weak stems, poor root development, reduced water and nutrient uptake, increased susceptibility to diseases and pests, and decreased yield in onions. Leaves may show marginal necrosis (burning), curling, or yellowing.
Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are essential macronutrients that are critical for onion growth, development, and yield. Deficiencies in any of these elements can result in various physiological disorders, reduced plant vigor, and ultimately lower yields. Therefore, maintaining balanced soil fertility and providing adequate NPK fertilization are essential for optimizing onion production and ensuring high-quality crop yields.
With the understanding of the importance of both macro and microelement fertilizers based on soil reports, it is crucial to apply a balanced spray program tailored to all soil types. Our experts have designed a comprehensive spray program that addresses various soil nutrient needs and promotes healthy onion growth.
The program includes:
1. Preventive Fungicide: Helps prevent fungal diseases that can affect onion plants and reduce yield potential.
2. Fast-Action Insecticide: Controls insect pests that may damage onion plants and inhibit growth.
3. Selective Herbicide: Targets weeds that compete with onion plants for nutrients and resources, ensuring optimal growth conditions.
4. Special Turkey Technology Foliar Blends: Contains a blend of macro and microelements essential for onion growth and development, tailored to meet specific soil nutrient requirements.
5. Sticker: Enhances adhesion and effectiveness of foliar sprays, ensuring maximum nutrient uptake by onion plants.
6. Bio-stimulant- Ensures your onions are able to manage the stress that comes with using chemical herbicide for weeding.
Our spray program comes with recommended application rates for various scenarios, ensuring optimal results and minimizing waste. Additionally, we offer free delivery nationwide for your convenience.
By investing in our balanced spray program, you can provide your onion plants with the necessary nutrients and protection they need to thrive, ultimately leading to a successful and bountiful harvest. Purchase your spray program here.
Weed management
Weed management is crucial for successful onion production, as onions are heavy feeders and do not compete well with weeds. Here are some key points to consider:
1. Timing: Weed control should begin approximately two weeks after transplanting, as this is when emerging weeds become noticeable. Early intervention is essential to prevent competition for nutrients, water, and sunlight.
2. Methods: Weed control can be done either by hand or through chemical means. Hand weeding is effective for organic farming but may be labor-intensive and costly. Chemical control, using herbicides containing active ingredients like oxyfluorfen, can provide longer-lasting suppression of weeds when applied correctly and timely.
3. Organic vs. Chemical: Organic farmers often prefer hand weeding to avoid the use of synthetic chemicals. However, chemical control can be an efficient option for conventional farming, especially when dealing with large weed infestations. It’s essential to follow label instructions carefully and adhere to safety precautions when using herbicides.
4. Time Management: Regardless of the chosen method, timing is critical for effective weed control. Weeds should be addressed early to prevent them from establishing and competing with onion plants for resources. Regular monitoring of the field is necessary to detect and address weed growth promptly.
5. Herbicide Selection: When using chemical weed control, selecting the appropriate herbicide is essential. Oxyfluorfen is one example of a herbicide that targets broadleaf and grassy weeds, providing effective control when applied correctly.
Oxyfluorfen is a herbicide that belongs to the chemical class known as diphenyl ethers. It works by inhibiting the enzyme protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO), which is involved in the synthesis of chlorophyll. This inhibition disrupts the chlorophyll production process in susceptible plants, leading to a cessation of photosynthesis and subsequent death of the weed.
Specifically, oxyfluorfen interferes with the conversion of protoporphyrinogen IX to protoporphyrin IX, a key step in chlorophyll biosynthesis. Without functional chlorophyll, the weed plants are unable to photosynthesize and produce the energy needed for growth and survival.
Oxyfluorfen is a selective herbicide, meaning it primarily targets broadleaf weeds and certain grassy weeds while having minimal impact on desired crops like onions when used according to label instructions. It is typically applied as a pre-emergent or early post-emergent treatment to control weeds before they become established and compete with crops for resources.
Overall, oxyfluorfen acts by disrupting chlorophyll synthesis in susceptible plants, ultimately leading to weed suppression and improved crop yield in onion production.
Here’s a more detailed explanation of how oxyfluorfen suppresses weeds:
1. Pre-Emergent Action: When applied to the soil before weed seeds germinate, oxyfluorfen forms a barrier that prevents weed seedlings from emerging. It inhibits cell division and elongation in the developing roots and shoots of germinating weed seeds. As a result, weed seeds fail to germinate or emerge from the soil, effectively preventing weed establishment.
2. Post-Emergent Action: Oxyfluorfen can also be applied to emerged weeds, where it acts as a contact herbicide. Upon contact with the foliage of emerged weeds, oxyfluorfen disrupts the membranes of plant cells, leading to leakage of cellular contents and cell death. This results in desiccation and necrosis of the foliage, effectively killing the weed plants.
3. Mode of Translocation: Oxyfluorfen is absorbed by plant tissues primarily through foliar uptake, but it can also be taken up through the roots. Once absorbed, it translocates within the plant, moving both acropetally (towards the shoot) and basipetally (towards the root). This allows oxyfluorfen to reach and affect all parts of the weed plant, including the roots, stems, and leaves.
4. Selective Action: While oxyfluorfen is effective against a broad spectrum of weed species, it exhibits selectivity towards certain crops, including onions. This selectivity is attributed to differences in the metabolism and physiology of target and non-target plants.
Overall, oxyfluorfen acts by disrupting key physiological processes in weed plants, both before and after emergence, ultimately leading to their suppression and control. When applied correctly and according to label instructions, oxyfluorfen can provide effective weed management in onion fields, helping to ensure optimal crop growth and yield.
By implementing timely and effective weed management practices, onion growers can ensure optimal growth, yield, and quality of their crops while minimizing competition from weeds.
In our spray program package, we have selected the best oxyfluorfen product for your effective weed control including a highly effective bio stimulant to help the onion plants manage the stress that comes with the chemical.
Top Dressing
This is an important stage in the growth of your onion plants. 4-6 weeks after transplanting, your plants enter a very vigorous stage where they may deplete most of the nutrients in the soil.
Topdressing therefore is the application of fertilizers or soil amendments to the soil surface around established crops, such as onion plants, during the growing season. The timing and choice of topdressing materials depend on the specific nutrient needs of the crop and the stage of growth. Here’s a discussion of the timing and advantages of topdressing for your onions:
1. Timing:
- Onions typically benefit from topdressing at specific stages of growth, such as during bulb development and enlargement.
- A common time to topdress onions is during the early to mid-growth stages, typically around 4-6 weeks after transplanting or when the plants have established a strong root system and are actively growing. This timing allows for the replenishment of nutrients that may have been depleted from the soil or taken up by the plants.
2. Advantages:
- Nutrient Supply: Topdressing provides a supplemental source of nutrients to meet the ongoing nutritional needs of onion plants throughout the growing season. This helps maintain optimal plant health, vigor, and yield potential.
- Targeted Application: Topdressing allows for the targeted application of specific nutrients directly to the root zone of the plants, where they can be readily absorbed and utilized. This helps maximize nutrient uptake efficiency and minimize nutrient losses through leaching or runoff.
- Flexibility: Topdressing provides flexibility in adjusting nutrient inputs based on crop performance, soil test results, and changing environmental conditions. It allows growers to tailor their fertilizer management practices to meet the evolving needs of the onions and optimize nutrient use efficiency.
- Reduced Risk of Burn: Unlike broadcast fertilization, which involves spreading fertilizers over the entire field, topdressing minimizes the risk of fertilizer burn by applying nutrients directly to the root zone of the plants. This reduces the potential for damage to foliage and roots, especially in sensitive crops like onions.
1st top dressing – done 4-6 weeks after transplanting
2nd topdressing – done 2 weeks after 1st topdressing.
NPK values and application rate will highly depend on your soil report. Normally, 100kgs are enough for 1st and 2nd topdressing. Its good however to consult an expert on the correct NPK fertilizer and application rate for topdressing.
Harvesting Onions
Harvesting onions is a significant milestone in your farming journey, typically occurring about 90-100 days after transplanting. This marks the culmination of your efforts and investment, as you finally reap the rewards of your hard work.
With proper care, onions can yield up to 18 tons per acre, making it a rewarding crop for farmers.
Onion Market- The onion demand in kenya has been ever growing and constant. 2023 and 2024 have seen onion prices skyrocket to up 150kes per kg at the farm. In kenya farmers rarely get the chance to store their onions therefore making it a fresh market produce. Onions in kenya are usually bought by brokers who collect the produce at the farm and handle all the logistics from grading, packing in nets and transport to the market. The farmer only takes care of the harvesting, lifting and trimming of the bulbs.
Timing
Timing is crucial when it comes to harvesting your onions. It’s best to choose a period of favorable weather conditions, ideally when there is no rainfall.
Harvesting during dry weather helps maximize storage potential and reduces the risk of onions rotting in storage. Planning ahead and timing your onion project to coincide with periods of minimal rainfall can help ensure a successful harvest.
When harvesting onions therefore, there are several important considerations to keep in mind:
1. Timing: Harvest onions when the tops have begun to yellow and fall over naturally. This indicates that the onions have reached maturity and are ready for harvest. Avoid harvesting too early or too late, as this can affect the quality and storage potential of the onions.
2. How to Harvest Onions:
Use a garden fork or shovel to gently loosen the soil around the onion bulbs, taking care not to damage the bulbs.
Lift the onions carefully from the soil, grasping the tops and gently pulling them out. Avoid pulling too forcefully, as this can damage the necks and reduce storage quality.
Shake off excess soil from the bulbs and trim the tops to about 1-2 inches above the bulb. This helps facilitate drying and storage. Trim the roots as well.
3. Curing: After harvesting, allow the onions to cure in a warm, well-ventilated area for 1-2 weeks. This helps dry the outer layers of the bulbs and improves their storage life. Spread the onions out in a single layer on racks or screens, ensuring good air circulation around each bulb. Here is a good low cost curing and storage unit that you can build on your farm for curing and storing onions. Avoid storing onions in plastic bags or containers, as this can trap moisture and promote rotting. Instead, use mesh bags, crates, or ventilated bins to store onions and arrange them in the low cost storage.
5. Do’s and Don’ts:
- Do handle onions carefully during harvesting to avoid bruising or damaging the bulbs.
- Don’t harvest onions when the soil is wet, as this can lead to soil clinging to the bulbs and increased risk of disease.
- Do remove any onions that show signs of rot or damage during curing and storage to prevent the spread of disease.
- Don’t store onions near fruits or vegetables that produce ethylene gas, as this can cause premature sprouting or spoilage.
Now go get started and enjoy the fruits of your labor for months to come.
If you need any assistance, we have a pool of experts near you. Just enter your location in the search box and have an expert walk you through from set up to harvest.
Would you like entire project management?
Our experts can manage your project from land acquisition to managing all aspects of the production all the way to harvesting and market. Contact us to get a quote.
FarmerQue Consult Ltd
0719106700
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