Onion Farming Expected To Reduce Imports By Up To 30 Pct By 2030

KOTA BHARU, Feb 25 (Bernama) -- The onion cultivation project undertaken by local farmers with the support of various government agencies is expected to be able to reduce the country's import dependency by up to 30 per cent by 2030, thus strengthening the country's food security agenda.

Deputy Secretary-General (Development) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM), Datuk Luqman Ahmad said that currently Malaysia still imports almost 100 per cent of its onion supply, which is estimated to be worth more than RM1 billion per year.

He said that apart from onions, the country also faces the issue of import dependency for corn and meat products, hence efforts to strengthen domestic production need to be intensified in a phased and structured manner to reduce the risk of food supply disruption.

"Today I went to the field to witness the government's initiative to introduce onion crops that have high potential. All this time we have been completely dependent on imports, so this step has a big impact in terms of reducing the value of imports and increasing food security," he said in a statement today

According to Luqman, onion crops only take about two months to harvest, thus providing quick returns to farmers.

Based on a pilot project, a 0.8-acre farm is capable of generating almost RM35,000 in one harvest season, showing that the crop is viable and has the potential to be developed commercially.

"If within two months farmers can earn between RM30,000 to RM35,000, this is a very productive crop. It not only helps the government reduce imports, but also provides a more guaranteed source of income for farmers," he said.

He said onion cultivation is also being carried out in Sabah involving about eight hectares in addition to Pahang as an initial step before expanding to other states, subject to land suitability and sufficient seed supply.

Part of the results of the pilot project in Kelantan will be used as seeds to be distributed to other farmers with research support and technology transfer by MARDI, while implementing agencies such as the Department of Agriculture and the Farmers' Organisations will expand implementation in the field to ensure that the initiative provides comprehensive benefits to the country's agro-food sector.

-- BERNAMA