Farming is often viewed as a business, and for those looking to maximize profits, onion farming can be a lucrative venture. Mudhumeni Mukuru, Ivan Craig gave some insights on how best to make money out of onion farming on Classic 263 radio recently.

During the program he emphasised that with proper techniques and market awareness, farmers can thrive in this domain .

In his words, “Onion farming is profitable if done properly, and King Onion can be your dollar crop this season.”

Understanding the Different Types of Onions.

When entering the onion market, it’s crucial to understand the various types of onions available. Among them, King Onions, which include red, white, and yellow varieties, stand out as particularly lucrative. Mudhumeni explains, “King Onion is a king onion, red or white, so that one is very, very important, in the sense that when it comes to business, it gives you the money you want at one go.”

Shallots and leeks also have their places in the market. Shallots, although sometimes viewed as difficult to harvest, are in demand in various markets.

According to Mudhumeni, “You can still make money with shallots… it’s quite prolific when it comes to tillering.” Leeks, while less popular, have a niche market as well, especially for soups.

Best Practices for Growing King Onions

To cultivate King Onions successfully, proper planning and execution are essential.

Mudhumeni suggests a plant population of 750,000 to 1 million plants per hectare for optimal yield.

“With a King Onion, you plant 750,000 plants per hectare to a million plants per hectare,” he states.

This high-density planting ensures that farmers can maximize their returns.

In terms of soil preparation,”Your field must be well drained and deep.”

Deep ploughing is crucial as it allows water to drain properly, preventing root diseases.

Fertilization is also key; farmers should apply around 600-700 kgs of compound fertilizer per hectare, along with 100 kgs of ammonium nitrate for top dressing.

The Importance of Timing and Market Awareness.

Timing plays a significant role in onion farming. Mudhumeni highlighted that farmers should be aware of their local climate and plant accordingly.

“Everything in winter is retarded; it grows slowly,” he notes, emphasizing the need for patience and careful planning.

Moreover, understanding market demand is essential.

“When you are into business, it depends on what market you are targeting,” Mudhumeni explains.
King Onions, particularly the red variety, are favored in regions like Malawi and Mozambique due to their strong aroma and flavor.

The Road Ahead for Onion Farmers.

For aspiring onion farmers, the key takeaway from Mudhumeni’s insights is that with the right agronomic practices and understanding of the market, onion farming can be a highly profitable venture.

King Onion, often dubbed the “dollar crop,” presents an excellent opportunity for those willing to invest the necessary time and effort.

“If you train yourself professionally in that one, you will find that you will be able to harvest a bunch.”

As farmers continue to adapt and learn, the future of onion farming looks bright, providing a sustainable source of income and delicious food for many.

With the right knowledge and diligence, onion farming, particularly with King Onions, can lead to both financial success and culinary delight.