Onion farming in Kenya: Beginner’s Guide

ByElijah Ludenyi

Jan 11, 2023
Onion farming in kenya

Last updated on March 2nd, 2024 at 06:02 pm

Onion farming in Kenya has been on the rise in recent years, and for good reason. Onions are a versatile crop that can be grown in a variety of climates and locations.

They are also a valuable crop, with a high market demand. In this article, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about onion farming in Kenya, from how to grow them to how to sell them. Are you ready to start farming onions?

Understanding Onion Farming in Kenya

Onion farming in Kenya is a lucrative business. The benefits of farming Onion in Kenya include high market demand and price, easy to grow and harvest, and Onion can be grown in many parts of Kenya. In this article, we shall look at how to grow, care and harvest Onion, varieties of Onion to grow and suitable locations and suitable climate conditions to farm Onion, market price for Onion, problems and solutions of Onion farming.

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Benefits of Onion Farming in Kenya

Onion farming in Kenya has a number of benefits. The most obvious benefit is that you can make money from it.

Onion is a crop that has a high demand in the market, and you can get good prices for it.

But there are other benefits as well. Onion farming is a good way to diversify your farming portfolio.

It is also a good crop to grow in areas where other crops do not do well.

And finally, it is a very sustainable crop – you can grow it with very little water and without using pesticides or fertilizers.

Market Demand for Onion in Kenya

Onion is a very important vegetable crop in Kenya. The country is the largest producer of Onion in the region. Onion is grown all over the country but the main production is from Central, Rift Valley and Eastern provinces.

The demand for Onion is very high in the local market. The demand for fresh Onion is higher than that of processed onion. The main consumers of fresh Onion are hotels, restaurants and households. The major buyers of processed Onion are industries such as beverage, canning, flour milling, ice cream and potato chip factories.

The price of fresh Onion ranges from 40 to 60 shillings per kilogram while the price of processed Onion ranges from 25 to 45 shillings per kilogram.

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Different Varieties of Onion to Grow in Kenya

There are various types of Onion you can grow in Kenya, depending on your climate and soil conditions. Common varieties of Onion include shallots, red onions, white onions, yellow onions, sweet onions and pickling onions.

Shallots tend to have a milder flavor and are often used in salads and other dishes that call for a subtle flavor.

Red onions tend to be sharp in flavor, while white onions are a bit milder and sweeter.

Yellow onions have the most pungent taste and are best used in sauces or cooked dishes.

Sweet onions have the least pungent flavor and can be eaten raw or cooked.

Pickling onions have thin skin and small size, making them ideal for pickling or using in salads or relishes.

When deciding which variety of Onion to grow in Kenya, consider the type of soil you have available and the climate conditions you’ll experience throughout the year. If you’re unsure what varieties will thrive best, consult with a knowledgeable local farmer for advice on what type of Onion is best suited to your situation.

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Suitable Location and Climate Conditions for Onion Farming in Kenya

When considering onion farming in Kenya, you’ll want to select a suitable location and climate conditions for best results. Typically, onions are grown in the highlands of Kenya between 5000 to 8500 feet above sea level.

This region is considered to be the most suitable for growing out-door onions. The region receives an average of 5–6 hours of sunlight daily and temperatures range between 21°C and 25°C.

The climate also includes moderate rainfall which helps in providing adequate moisture content in the soil allowing adequate growth of onions as well as aiding in water conservation.

Additionally, soils with good drainage help to improve the air circulation around the onion root system, which is essential for controlling diseases and pests.

How to Grow, Care and Harvest Onions in Kenya

Ok, so you’ve decided to get into onion farming in Kenya- great choice.

Before you jump in and get started, there are a few things you should know about growing onions.

First of all, it’s important to know the different varieties of onions – yellow, white and red – and which one is best suited for your needs and the climate conditions in your area.

Secondly, it’s important to identify the best location for your onion farm – preferably one that has access to water and sunlight.

Once you’ve chosen the right variety of onion and determined where to set up your farm, it’s time to start growing them. You should prepare the beds or plots by tilling the soil and adding compost or manure to make sure that they are getting all the nutrients they need. Once they are planted, make sure to keep them well watered and weeded so that they can grow healthy.

When harvesting time comes around, make sure you don’t wait too long or else the onions might start rotting in wet weather. Be sure to check the market price so that you can get a good return on your investment.

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So, if you are looking for a crop that is profitable, has a good market demand and is less prone to problems, Onion farming in Kenya is a good option for you. However, make sure you do adequate research on the different varieties of Onion that can be grown in your region, as well as on the appropriate care and harvesting techniques.