KUALA SELANGOR, Jan 11 — Malaysia can save around RM300 million if the local onion cultivation project succeeds, said Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu.
The rose onion cultivation project by the Selangor Agricultural Development Corporation (PKPS) has been performing well, with yields reaching approximately four tonnes per acre.
He added that the distribution of rose onion seeds to interested parties will begin either at the end of this year or early next year to help meet the savings target.
“In 2021, Malaysia imported 484,867 metric tonnes of onions worth RM902.5 million to meet consumer demand. India was the largest supplier, contributing 57 per cent, followed by China (20 per cent), and Pakistan (11 per cent).
“If we manage to produce 30 per cent of the onion supply locally, we could save RM300 million in import costs,” Mohamad told the press after a visit to the PKPS Ehsan Rose Onion Project at the Selangor Fruit Valley today.
In addition to PKPS, Penang and Kelantan have shown promising results in onion cultivation.
“We are also exploring other states suitable for onion farming, and our research agencies are looking into the feasibility of large onion cultivation as well,” he said.
— Bernama
[caption id="attachment_386276" align="aligncenter" width="1121"]
Selangor Agricultural Development Corporation (PKPS) chief executive officer Datuk Mohamad Khairil Mohamad Razi (centre) and Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu (second from right) holding up bunches of rose onions during Mohamad's visit to the PKPS Ehsan Rose Onion project at the Selangor Fruit Valley in Bestari Jaya, on January 11, 2025. — Picture by NUR ADIBAH AHMAD IZAM/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
