Quick facts about garlic onion farming in Kenya, farming cost per acre, yield, profit, cost of seeds, beginners guide to start successfully and many more.
Garlic onion farming has been proven to be a lucrative business in the onion farming system. Garlic onion farming in Kenya is preferred by most consumers and an ingredient to spice up food and medical remedy. Both urban and rural farmers practice the business.
Many garlic buyers in Kenya are the locals and companies specialized in the processing of garlic to obtain various products. Locally grown garlic can help the country reduce the rate at which garlic, insufficiency of garlic production has led to the importation of an almost 85% of garlic used in the country today.
Cost Of Garlic Farming In Kenya
Garlic onion farming in Kenya can be costly, depending on the land the farmer is planning to exploit. The bigger the farm’s size, the more cost the farmer incurs, the more promising the harvest.
Garlic Seedlings Price In Nairobi
Garlic seedlings price in Nairobi Kenya, depends on the location of the suppliers. The price continuously varies between Ksh. 300 and Ksh. 500.
Cost Of Garlic Farming Per Acre
The table below discusses the cost of garlic farming in Kenya in details, excluding the cost of the farming area.
| Requirements | Quantity | Charges |
| Garlic seeds | 1 acre of land will require up to 100 kilograms of garlic Each kilo costs for instance Ksh. 450 (some seasons have the price even lower) | Ksh. 45,000 |
| Fertilizer | 9-12 kgs between the 6th -8th week. A 25 kg bag approximately Ksh. 500 | Approximately Ksh. 500 |
| Labor | Per person | Approximately Ksh. 20,000 |
| Miscellaneous | Transport and disease control just in case | Approximately Ksh. 10,000 |
| Total cost | Ksh. 75,000 |
Garlic Farming Profit Per Acre In Kenya
Kenyan market rates for garlic varies depending on the season of harvest. During peak seasons, 1 kilo can be sold up to ksh.400 and while during low seasons, the prices can be as low as sh. 200.
Thus garlic farming profit per acre is as tabulated below
| Garlic produce | quantity | Estimated amount | Total charges | Gross profit |
| Minimum produce | 4000 kg | Assuming the harvest season is low, 1 kg goes for Ksh. 200 | Ksh. 800,000 | Ksh. 725,000 |
| Maximum produce | 5000 kg | Assuming the harvest season is low, 1 kg goes for Ksh. 200 | Ksh. 1,000,000 | Ksh. 925,000 |
Garlic Farming Guide To Get Started
The following are simple guide to follow when starting on garlic onion farming in Kenya and areas of emphasis.
1. Select The Best Planting Season
Garlic thrives more during cold seasons, mainly in September and November. For garlic to mature, it stays in the ground between 4 to 8 weeks. High temperatures destroy the production output of garlic.
2. Choosing Farming Area
When considering the farming area, they avoid waterlogged areas and instead areas that receive sunlight not less than 6 hours.
The farming area should be on a raised ground if possible, and the farmer can make simple beds of 10 to 12 inches above the ground with a distance of 3 feet apart from other seedbeds.
During the farm preparation, the addition of compost manure and removal of weeds.
3. Select Reliable And Trusted Supplier
Farmers are always advised to void purchasing the seeds from the local supplier, instead make orders from known recognized to avoid poor quality seeds. Before planting, the farmer is to select more extensive sized sources because of the harbor’s potential to produce healthier and larger mature bulbs.
4. Appropriate Planting
The right planting strategy is is placing the seeds in an upright position 2 inches deep in the soil, 2 inches apart from the other seed. The rows should be no less than 10 inches and a maximum of 14 inches.
5. Proper Monitoring Of Onions When Growing
The farmer should ensure proper drainage and water retention by practicing mulching. For farmers in areas with high temperatures should lay up 8 inches of hay or any other raw materials used. If the weather gets extreme, watering is inevitable.
6. Fertilizer Application
The farmer should follow manufacturer’s guidelines in applying fertilizer without skipping seasons since garlic is a heavy feeder, especially for nitrogenous fertilizers.
Farmers should well weed garlic farms, and any flowering in the spring seasons should be discouraged by cutting them off to avoid low-quality produce.
7. Control Pest And Diseases
Although garlic is a disease, farmers should pay close attention to the bulbs rotting. Most farmers in garlic farming prefer the plat since they can resist any disease reducing costs.
8. Harvesting
According to the season the garlic is planted, harvest can be ready when immediately the plant starts yellowing and falling off. With great care, dig up the garlic and, at all costs, avoid pulling off the ground. The farmer should understand that when garlic overstays in the soil, it is exposed to diseases.
9. Storage
Garlic lasts longer when stored in a cool and dry place. A well dried up garlic presents with dry roots and a white papery cover. Farmers can choose healthy and more extensive garlic to save as seeds for the next season. The harvested garlic can last fresh for an extended period. The longer it stays, the more flavor it produces.
Conclusion
Garlic onion farming in Kenya has won a significant consumption rate among individuals throughout the country. Most people believe garlic contains substances that help reduce unhealthy conditions. Kenyan production industries use garlic extracts to make other useful, healthy products.
