Africa-Press – Rwanda. The clouds are gathering while lightning and thunder blast off from high up in the skies. This is a signal to the arrival of the rains which means that Rwandan farmers should be getting busy in their fields.
According to market survey by Taarifa, one onion bulb currently costs Rwf100 and a Kilogram ranges between Rwf1500-2500 depending on your location. In the countryside, 3 onion bulbs cost Rwf100. For farmers intending to try their luck in growing onions, here are some facts they need to know.
Onions need rich, fertile soil. Only grow onions once in 3 years in the same field. Plant the onions on raised beds, especially in the rainy season. Transplant when the onions are about 6 weeks old. Plant the onions 10 centimetres apart. By taking good care of your onions, the onions will take good care of you.
Health Benefits of Onions
Onions are nutrient-dense, meaning they’re low in calories but high in vitamins and minerals. One medium onion has just 44 calories but delivers a considerable dose of vitamins, minerals and fiber.
This vegetable is particularly high in vitamin C, a nutrient involved in regulating immune health, collagen production, and tissue repair and iron absorption. Vitamin C also acts as a powerful antioxidant in your body, protecting your cells against damage caused by unstable molecules called free radicals.
Onions are also rich in B vitamins, including folate (B9) and pyridoxine (B6) — which play key roles in metabolism, red blood cell production and nerve function. Onions are a good source of potassium, a mineral in which many people are lacking.
