Onion is botanically part of the lily (Liliaceae) family. When consumed regularly and in sufficient quantity, these compounds may help protect against chronic conditions such as cancer and diabetes.
In fact, onions contain over 25 different flavonoids and are one of the richest sources in our diets.
Based on the high demand for onions coupled with hike in its price, investing in onion farming is a lucrative venture.
On a subsistence level, a person can convert part of his/her yard into onion plantation while for large plantation, a person will need large space. The place should not be waterlogged though. Onion farming is an additional way of creating job and wealth.
Uses of Onion
Onion is a useful ingredient in soups either at events or indoors.
The demand for onion continues to increase due to its importance as a vegetable and spice. Onion is used in various dishes and as a seasoning in food preparation. Furthermore, onion has significant health benefits, including reducing the risk of cancer, managing blood sugar levels, and boosting immunity.
With its immense potential, onion farming business is an attractive venture for individuals and investors looking to explore the agricultural sector in Nigeria. The profitability of this business, coupled with the increasing demand for onion both locally and internationally, makes it a lucrative investment option.
Onion, Allium cepa, is a biennial plant in the Amaryllidaceae family and is cultivated for its edible bulbs. The bulbs of the onion plant are used as a food ingredient in various cuisines worldwide, and the plant has many health benefits. The onion plant is also used for its medicinal properties and is believed to have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties.
Onion farming is a profitable agribusiness in Nigeria and in Nigeria, onion is grown mostly in areas where there is hot weather like Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa, Sokoto, Plateau, Bauchi and Kebbi States.
Mr Kaita Yisa, while speaking with LEADERSHIP said, its a venture that could be practiced along other businesses, given an investor flexibility of time and planning.
Yisa, who is an an expert in onion farming and done much studies on it said, he has discovered that eating onions may help reduce risk of heart disease, blood and other ailments
Alleying fear of spoilage, he noted that, onion can get spoilt easily, hence, a good place with ventilation should be created for it. You can look for better weather condition suitable for you to keep onions, the idea is to dry out and toughen the skins without drying out the onion’s interior.
Planting & Harvesting
The best time of the day to harvest onions is very early in the morning when you noticed that onion tops is falling over and brown.
It takes around four months for it to grow, that is, onions require 90-100 days to mature from seed, which is around four months. From sets, onions are ready to harvest after around 80 days, or just under three months.
Best time to grow or plant onion is between August and September and the late planting is between November and December, although, this may change due climate change.
On his part, a Sokoto farmer, Abdulahi Abdulahi, said, would-be investor in onion farming must have proper and achievable plan. The plan inludes sufficient knowledge on how to easily reach markets because onion may not withstand unfriendly conditions before decaying.
His belief is that onions should be harvested when the leaves start to yellow and the bulbs are firm. “The onions should be left to dry for a few days. Remove the outer layers: The onions should be cleaned by removing the outer layers that are damaged or diseased then onions should be stored in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area to prevent spoilage
As the demand for onions is highest during the dry season, from December to February, when onion supplaies are generally lower and prices tend to increase, investors, he said, should target that period in order to meet market demands for profitability.
