Tanzanian Onions (Red-Gold) flooding the markets in Kenya
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Regulation & Compliances
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Linus Ndongwe
Published Jun 3, 2020
Tanzania Onions are flooding the markets in Kenya leading to losses. Despite the similarities in seasons where supplies are always in the months between July and September Tanzania has a comparative advantage in the months of May, June and October to December dominating the Onion market in East Africa.
Onion farmers in Tanzania have perfected a harvesting technique where when onions are ready for harvesting, farmers cut the leafy part and leave the Onions in the field for a minimum period of two weeks managing the harvesting period and timing of the market and selling when the price is high.
Identified best times to have Onions ready for the market in Kenya is either January to mid-March and August to September seasons.
Some Kenyan traders have contracted farmers in the area to produce for them to ensure they have a steady supply as a measure to respond to the high demand.
In Kenya, onions are grown in West Pokot, Isiolo, Kimana, Mai Mahiu, Nyeri and Kinangop. In Tanzania, they are grown in Mang’ola, Singinda, Njombe, Iringa and Morogoro.
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