Onion Production in Türkiye

Onion production farming is a high potential agricultural sector in Türkiye, with a near-ready market demand for the produce.

For Onions Drip Kits per Acre

The conditions of most climatic regions in Türkiye favor the cultivation of onions based on temperature, water, and soil PH. Harvested Bulb onions can remain fresh for many days in groceries, vegetable stalls, and other storage facilities.

Profitability of Onion Farming in Türkiye

• Onion farming in Türkiye can be quite profitable when done right. 1acre of bulb onions can yield 20,000 kgs and with the current market price of onions which is at least 60/- per keg you can earn approx. KES. 1,200,000. However, like any agricultural venture, it comes with a few challenges and risks.

What determines Profitability in Onion Production

• The overall yield and market value of onions will affect the profitability of your onion production venture.

• To ensure high-profit realization in onion production farming, work needs to be done on reducing production costs. You may think of cutting down costs by raising your seedlings, applying low-cost but quality irrigation, and improving yield with effective practices.

• Note; The quality and size of onion bulbs determine the price in some cases.

Tips for Profitability

• Hybrid or Certified Onion Seedlings:

   Planting hybrid onion varieties that do well in the Türkiye climate.

• Value Addition:

   Value addition may involve post-harvest drying to prevent rotting.

• Proper Watering and Nutrition:

   bulb and Spring onions will grow to their full potential with proper fertilizer and water supply.

        While specific profit margins can vary depending on various factors, many farmers in Turkiye have reported substantial returns on investment in onion farming

Reasons to Venture into Onion Production Farming in Türkiye

• Onion farming in Türkiye presents a promising opportunity for people interested in venturing into the agricultural sector.

High Market demand for Onions

• Onions are highly dependable as the main spice in the preparation of most delicious food types.

• The demand for onion exceeds the Kenyan market to international markets in East Africa and overseas countries.

Favorable Climatic Conditions

• Onion varieties thrive well in most climatic regions of Türkiye, as they can be grown under irrigation in arid regions.

• Proper Irrigation practices sustain onion production throughout the year.

More Profitable compared to Other Crops

Short Production Period: Propagation to harvest takes a short time (3-4) and enhances propagation up to 3 times.

Cost of Onion Production in Türkiye

The cost of onion farming in Türkiye is reliant on factors.

• Farm Size

  : Onion cultivation will depend on the size of your farm whether small or large scale.

• Irrigation Model

  : The cost of supplying water to onions varies as per the method.

• Inputs

   : Inputs such as fertilizers, and nutrients.

• Seedlings

  : seedling propagation and purchase cost.

• Labour Cost

  : Cost incurred in farm preparation, propagation, weeding, and irrigation installation.

Average Cost Estimates

• The cost of Onion Production in Türkiye is 50000 Türkiye Lira to90000 Türkiye Liraper acre for new farmers.

Breakdown of Onion Production Costs

Cost may be broken down into various onion production steps.

• Land preparation

   includes the costs that you incur in clearing, digging, and preparing beds.

• Seedling Propagation phase: 

  Cost incurred in the purchase of seedlings and sowing process.

• Planting stage:

   Cost of fertilizer, planting labor cost.

• Irrigation installation: 

  Drip Kits cost and installation costs.

• Weeding and Pest Control: 

  the cost of expenditure on weeding, pesticides, and insecticides.

• Transportation:

   Costs for transporting produce to the market.

• Storage:

   If you plan to store onions, consider storage costs.

Ways to Lower Production Costs

• Efficient water management:

   Optimize water usage to reduce costs.

• Effective Pest Control:

   Use recommended pesticides.

• Employing smart automation irrigation:

   to lower costs of labour needs in irrigation.

Onion Production: Varieties to Grow in Türkiye

Within the favorable climatic regions in Türkiye, several varieties include;

• Red Creole: Popular due to its medium size and red appearance.

• Bombay Red:

   Large bulb size, deep red color and pungent smell.

• Bombay White:

   Known for its mild flavor and white color.

• Tropicana F1:

   This hybrid variety offers high yields and resistance to certain diseases.

• Pearl Drop:

   This variety produces small, round onions with a strong flavor.

Important Things to Consider When Choosing an Onion Variety

• Soil type and PH: 

  choose a variety that is recommended for your soil PH.

• Market demand:

   Study the market demand and consider the variety with high demand.

• Yield:

   Choose varieties known for high production.

• Disease resistance:

   opt for varieties that are resistant to common onion diseases.

• Maturity period:

   Selection should also be based on the average production period. Choose a variety with a shorter production season.

Tips for Proper Onion Variety Selection

• Seek advice from experts or agronomists: They often measure soil samples and recommend the best variety to grow.

• Consider hybrid varieties: These often offer higher yields and better disease resistance.

Preparing the Soil

• Clear the land:

   Remove any weeds or debris.

• Tilling:

   Break up the soil to improve aeration.

• Fertilization:

   Add organic matter like compost or manure to enrich the soil.

Preparation of Beds

Onion production requires raised beds for seedling propagation and transplanting to the farm.

Seedling Beds may take a width of 1 M and a length of 100 M maximum on a drip irrigation layout.

The bed size can also depend on the number of drip lines laid, which varies.

3 Lines per Bed

The production of onions on a farm section of 3 drip lines.

4 Lines per Bed

Beds may take 4 drip lines to supply water to more than 4 lines of onion plants

Planting

• Timing:

   The best planting time depends on the region. Consult local farmers or agricultural extension offices.

• Method:

   You can plant onion seeds directly or use onion sets.

• Spacing:

   Plant onions in rows with adequate spacing for proper growth.

Onion Production: How to Irrigate Onions