Onion Farm

Onions are a high-value crop in Kenya, but they demand consistent irrigation, balanced nutrients, and strict pest control. At this particular Onion Farm, yields were poor and market quality bulbs were inconsistent, reducing profitability. Plum stepped in to provide a full-cycle solution — from irrigation to harvest handling — ensuring the farm could grow onions that meet both local and regional market standards.

Challenges & Plum’s Solutions

Uneven watering: Caused irregular bulb sizes and patchy growth.
→ We installed a drip irrigation system that delivered uniform water supply, leading to consistent crop development.

Nutrient depletion: Years of continuous onion cropping had stripped the soil.
→ We conducted soil tests, recommended custom fertiliser blends, and scheduled nutrient applications to match crop growth stages.

Pests & diseases: Thrips, fungal infections, and soil-borne diseases were major threats.
→ We supplied effective agrovet products and trained the farmer on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to reduce chemical overuse.

Post-harvest losses: Mishandling during harvest and storage led to rot and poor shelf life.
→ We trained farm workers on correct harvesting times, curing methods, and safe storage practices to extend onion shelf life.

Impact & Outcomes

Uniform bulbs that meet market grading standards.

Higher yields per acre and improved return on investment.

Reduced crop losses due to pest and disease control.

Extended shelf life and improved onion quality in the market.

Onion is one of Kenya’s staple horticultural crops, but many farmers struggle to meet market demand because of poor water and pest management. This project shows how smart irrigation + proper inputs + training can completely change outcomes.