Zambia Agribusiness Society

Onions are a staple in cuisines around the world, and their cultivation is both an art and a science. The 'Ultimate Onion Production Guide' provides comprehensive insights into the entire process of onion farming, from understanding the basics of onion production to the latest innovations and sustainability practices. This guide is designed to help both novice and experienced farmers maximize their onion yield and navigate the economic landscape of the onion market effectively. Key Takeaways Understanding onion plant lifecycle and soil conditions is crucial for successful cultivation. Selecting the right seed variety and employing strategic planting can significantly impact yields. Effective irrigation, fertilization, and pest control are essential for healthy onion growth. Proper harvesting and post-harvest management ensure the longevity and quality of onions. Staying informed about market trends and embracing sustainable farming practices can enhance profitability and enviro...

General Requirements ·          Onion requires cool conditions during vegetative growth and hot, dry conditions nearing maturity, in early summer. Optimum temperatures for growth are 12ºC to 24ºC, with minimum temperatures of 7ºC and maximum 29ºC. ·          Popular Onion varieties are Texas Grano, Red creole and Caledon Globe. ·          A well-managed Onion crop should yield 750 to 1000 x 10kg pockets/ Lima. Land Preparation/ Soil Type ·          Deep well-drained Sandy to loamy soils with a pH range from 5 to 6.5 is ideal for Onion. ·          Effective rooting depth is 20cm. ·          Plough and disc to 45 to 60cm depth of fine tilth seedbed. Planting and Transplanting ·          Sow direc...

Onions are consumed in almost every household in Zambia. Not only are onions grown for domestic consumption but also for commercial purposes. Onions are one of the few crops in Zambia that will always have a ready market. This simple guide will equip onion growers with recommended practices in the cultivation of onions. Climatic Requirements Onions are a cool season crop. Germination of onions is slow at 6 to 7°C. The optimum germination temperature range is 10 to 35°C, and the maximum temperature is 40°C. Onion is adapted to a growing season with air temperatures at 13 to 24°C. Low temperatures early in the season are desirable with higher temperatures after bulb formation. Onion is tolerant to frost but seedlings are generally only tolerant down to -1°C. Onions are sensitive to photoperiod. Long days are favourable to onion production as this enhances leaf development and which, in turn, is directly related to bulb size. Early varieties require 13 hours for bulb initiation whil...

Onions are a great crop for the small scale farmer. They're a kitchen staple and play a role in a great number of recipes. You can grow your basic yellow onion, or any of a number of fanciers and heirloom varieties, depending on your market. Planting: Onion sets should be planted from mid-March to mid-April. Gently push onion sets into the soft soil so that just the tip shows. Firm up the soil around them. If planting from seed, sow seeds a half inch deep from late February through early April. Onion sets should be planted 10cm apart from each other in rows 30cm apart. Onion seeds should be sown in rows 20cm apart. Thin weaker seedlings, first to 5cm apart and then to 10cm apart. Growing notes: Onions does best in sunny, sheltered sites with well-drained, well-worked soil. Ground with fresh manure can cause onions to rot. Onions also like being directly in the soil the best and don't thrive as well in containers or raised beds. Pests and problems: Birds are known to...

Onion farming is rising in popularity in Africa because it is very affordable to start and run. This kind of agriculture has high returns. Again, onion farming can be done comfortably in greenhouses and open gardens. For you to succeed as an onion farmer, you have to apply various onion farming tips. These tips will enable you to enjoy massive profits from your onion farming efforts. 1. Some top onion farming tips Planting To start with, you should select a location that is free of shade and one that can access full sun directly. The soils of the area need to be well drained and with high nitrogen content. Loose soil is the most preferable since compact soil lowers bulb development. Nourishment tips Apply aged manure during planting or use fertilizer on the fall before planting. Note that onions are one kind of a plant that show heavy feeding and demand continued nourishment for them to produce large bulbs desired in the market. During planting, it’s advisable to mix in some ...