Growing onions in Kenya under irrigation is increasingly becoming a norm. Onion drip Irrigation farming presents a better and sustainable experience in big bulb production. As you know water is the ideal and primary resource in onion cultivation and can be availed through drip.
Lack of enough water results in stunted growth and low bulb formation rates in onion species such as Neptune.
Rainfall has proven unreliable in most arid parts of the country which have a great potential and fertile soils that can be turned into a productive part
How profitable is Onion Farming in Kenya?
Onion farming is highly profitable, with the current cost of onion bulbs increasing. The growing of onions under drip irrigation is a good venture with a high output when well maintained. An acre of onions can produce 3–6 tonnes of onions under drip irrigation.
Why we recommend drip Irrigation for onions
Due to its precise and balance in water delivery to the plant lines, drip lines are best for large scale production of onions. You can use beds to grow onions under irrigation with drip lines laid on 2–3 lines per bed.
There is need to work with an irrigation system that betters the growth and soil conditions for growth of onion bulbs. The drop by drop irrigation enhances the soil to be loose and less compact for growth of roots.
Advantages of Onion Drip Irrigation Farming
Diseases are less spread on onions grown under drip irrigation systems, a better step to lower chemical reliance on insecticides and pesticides. Such diseases as fungal infections and leave burns, cases that can occur on overhead irrigation of onions.
Drip irrigation is easier to manage and unlike rainfall or furrow irrigation, you can control the rate of water flow to the onion farms. Onions need water during the planting period, but the ground should be dry when harvesting nears to prevent the bulbs from damage. Therefore, you need to stop irrigation 2–3 weeks before harvesting.
Another benefit of working with drip irrigation is the low labour requirement and cheap cost of maintenance. Few labours force is required for simple tasks of opening and closing valves and taps, maintenance and checking the water flow.
Onion Drip Kits
The components for drip irrigation can include basic drip components to complex drip irrigation kits. The components include:
- HDPE mainline pipes
- Sub main line pipes or laterals
- Drip lines
- Drip Connectors
- End caps
- Ball valves
- Filters
- Fertilizer tanks
- Water tanks
- Tap connectors
- Connector fittings
- Male and female adaptors
- Thread tape or Glue seal
- Elbow, clamps or straight connectors.
Onion Drip Line Spacing
The spacing of drip line emitter holes for growing onion plants should be at least 15 cm to ensure that there is low competition of nutrients, water and sunlight by onion plants.
Cost of Onion farming in Kenya
Onion farming in Kenya is sometimes costly but affordable costs and production kits are available.
The cost of irrigating onions under drip irrigation depends on the number of lines per bed and the size of drip lines to use.
Our drip irrigation kits vary in prices depending on the size of the farm and spacing of drip line
| Size/ Line per bed | 1 Line | 2 lines | 3 Lines |
| 1 acre | 75000 | 130000 | 160000 |
| 1/2 acre | 40000 | 61000 | 71000 |
| 1/4 acre | 28000 | 40000 | 50000 |
| 1/8 acre | 13000 | 23000 | 26000 |
Where to Buy Onion Drip Irrigation Kits
Aqua Hub Kenya is the best place to get onion drip irrigation kits. We sell quality drip lines and drip irrigation kits at affordable prices.
Contact 0790719020
