onion farming in tanzania

The profitability of onion farming will depend on the time of the year, when you get your produce to the market. More information on the Malimbichi project   (in French only) Varieties: Although many varieties of onion are found in Tanzania, two varieties are of particular importance in term of volume of production .These varieties are Bombey red and Red creole. Projected Profit Of Onion Farming In Kenya. Basic Requirements for Onion Farming in Kenya? The second one is the big loosely held variety that is grown locally, in Kenya. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. "Previously I would sell my onions for as little as Sh30 for a kilo, but this year I have sold each kilo at a minimum of Sh90 at the farm gate,” she said. However, as the plants mature, thy do not need much of water. And yet, up to very recently, there was no collection point available to stakeholders in this value chain. THE UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY DEPARTMENT OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT Farmer seed experts and their knowledge on seeds, forest food products and medicinal plants By O.K.K. More information on the Malimbichi project, More information on GRET’s activities in Tanzania. Though Tanzania has lower production costs than neighboring Kenya for this type of onion, it produces as little as 2.9 tons per hectare far from the world mean of 29 tons per hectare due to pests. Her two-acre farm of onions produced 50,000kgs of onions, which she cured in a greenhouse. Explore detailed information about the exports and imports of Onion for Tanzania. Local farmers are trying their best to address the demand and close the gap, although the demand is always higher than the supply. It is harvest time at his farm and he opines that he expects to harvest up to 15 tons of onions per acre which is 15,000 Kilograms. Today, he is a farmer supplying much of the onions to to markets as far as Nairobi. Most Kenyan farmers produce onions from January to march and August to October. They are preferred over the local onions in markets even by consumers. In its countries of operation, GRET works within civil society organisation (CSO) collectives, contributes to sectoral networks and to forums of consultation coordinated by public authorities. By using our site, you agree to use our cookies. Onion Farming Techniques, Tips, and Ideas. The country is the number six onion grower in Africa regarding production levels. Impoverished tea pluckers seek solace in sanitiser-making projects, 4. This is no longer the case: an onion collection centre was built with support from GRET in the village of … But with the current situation, the only source of onions is from local farmers who lack the capacity to meet demand,” Mr Mwangi said. 40 which translates to ksh 600,000. Regina Muthoni, a Nyeri resident, said the price of onions had become too high for her, so she had opted to use spring onions, which are cheaper and readily available. Investment required for growing onions on a commercial scale is very less and plant care of onions are also very minimal. » Dry onions are a crop that lends itself well to small scale and part-time farming operations. Moses Karimi Githaiga has been farming garlic for about six years now in Kiawara, a hamlet in Kieni Sub County, about 35 kilometres from Nyeri town. The colors range from creamy white to stark yellow. » The common dry onions (Allium cepa), a member of the Amarylli-daceae family, originated in central Asia (Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan) where it is widely used. Both farms have been organically certified since they were established and our certifying body is ECOCERT. Kung'u Mwangi, a trader at Kiawara, a key trading stations for Kieni onions, said he was seeing an increase in demand, but supplies remain low. special characters and numbers. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Kajimbwa, E. Ndedya, L. Kinyunyu, H. Hamza, and A. Mwijage It is part of the Malimbichi project (Support for the production and marketing of horticultural products in the Uluguru Mountains and the Ruaha river basin), funded by the European Union and implemented by the Tanzanian federation of Farming  Organisations – Mviwata (Mtandao wa Vikundi vya Wakulima Tanzania), with support from GRET. Lets assume you plant an entire acre of onions in Kenya, on the higher side you could use atmost 150,000. In partnership with companies, Find, the endowment fund dedicated to innovation for development, supports processes of social, technical and institutional innovation for development. The price of onions has skyrocketed in the last two months, with farmers in Nyeri selling their produce for as much as Sh100 per kilo at the farm gate, and consumers paying as much as Sh150 for this in local markets. The cost of production per acre was Sh16 per kg, she said. With the curfew reducing the amount of time available to trade, most merchants are incurring losses from holding on to onions that were not properly cured. offers! The ideal pH is 5.8 to 6.8. "But due to the coronavirus pandemic and the border restrictions Kenya has with Tanzania, there is a low supply of onions in the market from our neighbours.". It provides a covered area for exchanges, including short term storage space, handling & measuring equipment, and offices for management. But what is so special with Tanzania onions? How technology has eased business for poultry farmers. Ce site utilise des cookies pour assurer son bon fonctionnement technique et pour réaliser des mesures d’audience. It is used in cooked meals or raw salads as a flavour additive, and also used in making pickles and chutneys. According to Food and Agriculture Organization’s report, half of red onions sold in Kenyan markets are grown in Tanzania. Kenyan Farmers have been doing their best to address the demand and close the gap, but there is still more supply to be achieved. Onion Farming In Kenya According to the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) 2014 report 50 percent of the red onions in Kenya are imported from Tanzania, making the red bulb onion one of the most attractive commercial farming practices that a farmer can do. Bulb onions, also known as Kitunguu Maji in Kenya, is one of the most used vegetables in the world. This new collection centre, which is now operational, will be officially launched in the near future. “If I buy a kilo of onions for Sh90 from the farmer, I incur the cost of transport to the trading centre and this means I sell the onions for Sh120. Onion farming can be done over a wide variety of soil including sandy loam soils to clayed loam soils with the facility of good drainage. » The term “dry onion” is used to distinguish them from green onions But Mercy Kimaru, an onion farmer in Mweiga, said she has had a good month. Being that many people have studied agriculture and several research studies about farming are being done, the young people are being encouraged to venture into agriculture as a way of creating self-employment. ¬ Although onions are among the most consumed vegetable across the region, diets are generally heavy on starchy staple food (Maize, rice etc). This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Local farmers are trying their best to address the demand and close the gap, although the demand is always higher than the supply. This is no longer the case: an onion collection centre was built with support from GRET in the village of Malolo B, in the district of Kilosa. “If the onion bulbs are not dry, they will rot from the inside and with the heavy rains you cannot cure them at the market, so most end up as waste,” Mwangi said. Bulb onions take 3 to 4 months to reach maturity. In deed, Farm Concern International (FCI)6reported that 65% of onions grown in Tanzania are consumed in domestic markets. Different regions in Tanzania produce onions during different months. NCPB depots open gates to low farmer turnout, 2. lyinder company limited is a tanzania based comapt that growscommercial crops i.e ginger, red onions, garlic, fruits andgroceries. More information on GRET’s activities in Tanzania. Agribusiness in Kenya is gradually becoming an in thing today. Small scale onion farming is gaining popularity in Kenya. This place for exchanges, which is secure and adapted to suit the needs expressed by all involved, was built in collaboration with the local authorities, farmers, retailers and transporters. A beginners guide to onion farming in kenya Jul 22nd 2016 50 percent of the red onions in Kenya are imported from Tanzania, as indicated by Food and Agriculture Organisation's (FAO) 2014 report. He began farming in Oloitoktok and later on relocated to Nguu scheme, Makueni County for proximity to Nairobi where he majorly sells his farm produce. Local farmers are able to benefit during this time period, since there is low supply of onions from Tanzania at this time of the year. This joint management will make it possible over the long term to ensure development of this infrastructure that will include the vision of the various categories of stakeholders that make up this value chain. However, the farmers are experiencing losses due to the ongoing rains, making it more difficult to cure the onions. Tanzania onions sell like hot cake in Kenya and are often referred to as the “red gold” by traders. Tan­zania, Egypt and other onion pro­du­cing coun­tries have taken over the Kenyan onion mar­ket with re­ports in­dic­at­ing Tan­zania is sup­ply­ing Kenya with more than 50 per cent of the product. According to Food and Agriculture Organization’s report, half of red onions sold in Kenyan markets are grown in Tanzania. Kenya farmers have been trying to address this but with little success. In fact most farmers in the area grow onions. Singida produces from January to May, Mang’ola produces from May to October and Moshi from October to January. Note that this information and related analysis is based on the statistics of HS code 070310 ( Onions and shallots, fresh or chilled ) . Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated on the latest developments and As much as onion, particularly bulb onion, is a profitable crop, it also requires a lot of labour during transplanting and weeding, according to a report by the Ministry of Agriculture. Onions, which are usually harvested between May and November, have been affected by border restrictions with Tanzania, where a majority of the imports are sourced. Onions are the most widely grown horticultural product in the Morogoro region of Tanzania. 2013 POTENTIALITY OF ONION PRODUCTION TO POVERTY REDUCTION: THE CASE OF RUANGWA DISTRICT, TANZANIA. Growing onions is very easy and profitable. […] You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Most of the harvest rots in stalls and is disposed of. Your passowrd must have atleast 8 character with a mixture of capital By Joram Reuben Mbiha ` A Dissertation Submitted in Partial fulfilment of the Requirement for the everything grown 100% organic and in perfectcondition. And yet, up to very recently, there was no collection point available to stakeholders in this value chain. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Kenyan onion farmers often complain that Tanzania onions flood the market leading to losses. Partly because it is not only affordable to start but its returns are high. Sometimes you can just depend on rainwater but make sure that the plants absorb the right amount every 5-7 days. However, red loam soils to black soils, sandy loam soils, with good organic content are considered as the best suitable for onion farming for optimum production. You can discover details including export/import trends, prices, top partner countries, products, and suppliers. Short rains are great for bulb onions since they can be harvested between January and February. your password To personalise content, tailor ads and provide best user experience, we use cookies. This is a cost that I transfer to the customer,” he said. below is a breakdown giving you the price estimates for onion farming. “The most affected onions are the red bulb types because they require high heat to cure, failure to which they rot,” said Mr Gakuo. Success in bulb onion farming is dependent on proper market identification, proper planning for labour especially during transplanting and weeding, and good post-harvest handling procedures. He noted that while farmers have increased the prices of the commodity, most of the produce they were selling was not well cured, leading to losses on the wholesalers' side. letters,small letters, There is the small, thin and firmly layered onion that has a strong pungent smell from Tanzania. These cookies do not store any personal information. Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated on the Bombey red are maintained in different areas and a good example is popular Mang’olared, which is maintained at Tengeru and Mang’ola in Arusha region. My budget is tight and with the current economic situation caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, I must cut costs, so I've opted for spring onions which cost Sh30 for several stalks,” Ms Muthoni said. A Beginners Guide to Onion Farming in Kenya Jul 22nd 2016 50 percent of the red onions in Kenya are imported from Tanzania, as indicated by Food and Agriculture Organisation's (FAO) 2014 report.... Continue reading → Onion is one of the most favorite vegetables for most of the people all over the world. The management committee of this collection centre – trained and supported by Mviwata – is made up of representatives from among farmers, retailers and the district authorities. Most regions in Tanzania have the best conditions for onion growth and optimal yield. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. “I cannot spend Sh150 on a kilo of red onions. Mponda, E.M Kafiriti, Wembah-Rashid, M.G. “I sell a kilo for Ksh. K imango Farm Enterprises Ltd. operates two farms, Mbuyuni Farm close to the town of Morogoro, and Wami River Farm on the Mkata Plains about one hour from Morogoro.. The Kimango Farms – Mbuyuni Farm and Wami River Farm. It is also protected by a fence, in order to ensure security for goods and people. Six onion grower in Africa regarding production levels Kenya and are often referred to as the mature... Mixture of capital letters, small letters, small letters, small letters, small letters special... The latest developments and special offers an effect on your browsing experience onion grower in Africa production. Scale and part-time farming operations a good month trends, prices, top partner countries, products, and for... But opting out of some of these cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent centre... The small, thin and firmly layered onion that has a strong pungent smell from Tanzania Moshi from October January! Have been trying to address this but with little success value chain and yet, up very. [ … ] onion farming onions perform well in fertile, sandy loam soil estimates for farming. Local farmers are experiencing losses due to the customer, ” he said very recently there!, including short term storage space, handling & measuring equipment, and Ideas red. Our newsletter and stay updated on the time of the harvest rots in stalls and is disposed.... Can help reduce the weeds and at the same time maintain the soil moisture level are experiencing due... Sometimes you can discover details including export/import trends, prices, top partner countries, products, Ideas. 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