Joseph Munerya, a seasoned onion farmer with 20 years of experience, explains that successful onion farming requires thorough planning from land preparation to harvesting.
He says onions can grow in various climates, but the best bulb formation happens at temperatures between 15.5°C and 27°C. With proper management, an acre of onions can yield high profits, making it a lucrative venture for farmers willing to invest time and effort.
Preparation and seedbed setup
Onion cultivation starts with proper land preparation.
Moses Chemaswet, another onion farmer from Mutyoru in Kapchorwa district, says that well-tilled land ensures good root establishment. Farmers should plow and harrow the land at least twice before planting.
When preparing the seedbed, he explains that seedling trays are recommended to minimise seed loss.
He adds that farmers can also use raised seedbeds, ensuring proper aeration and water drainage. The seedlings are usually transplanted after 6–8 weeks when they reach about 15 cm in height.
Seed requirements and spacing
Chemaswet says onions are best grown with a spacing of 10 cm between plants and 30 cm between rows. This arrangement allows for proper bulb development and easy access during weeding and harvesting.
“The recommended seed rate per acre is 1–1.5 kg, depending on the onion variety. Good quality hybrid seeds may cost between sh50,000 and sh100,000 per 100 kg,” he says.
Fertilisers
Henry Sekyewa, an agronomist, explains that onions require adequate nutrients for proper growth. The following fertilizers are recommended:
Basal application, 100–150 kg of DAP (Diammonium Phosphate) or NPK 17:17:17 before transplanting.
Topdressing: 50–100 kg of CAN (Calcium Ammonium Nitrate) or Urea at different growth stages.
Organic manure, 5–10 tons per acre to improve soil fertility.
Estimated fertiliser cost, sh100,000-sh150,000
Irrigation needs
“Onions require consistent moisture, especially during the bulb formation stage. If rainfall is insufficient, irrigation is necessary,” says Sekyewa.
He adds that a drip irrigation system, which costs around sh500,000-sh1million, is highly recommended as it ensures water efficiency and prevents fungal diseases.
Pest and disease control
Common onion pests include thrips and onion maggots, while diseases like downy mildew and purple blotch can affect yields.
Sekyewa says farmers should budget sh100,000-sh150,000 for fungicides and pesticides per season to prevent losses.
Labour costs
Labour is required for planting, weeding, irrigation, and harvesting.
According to Sekyewa, the total labour cost per acre ranges from sh150,000 to sh200,000 depending on the location and wage rates.
He says a well-managed acre of onions yields between 8–15 tons. The market price of onions ranges between sh1,500 and sh2,000 per kg.
