Selangor is advancing towards self-sufficiency in rose onions and their seeds, with over 80.9 hectares dedicated to onion cultivation under the People's Income Initiative (IPR). The state is collaborating with Universiti Putra Malaysia to enhance breeding, seeding, and crop production methods. Izham Hashim, the state infrastructure and agriculture committee chairman, emphasized the goal of proactively addressing diseases, highlighted during his visit to Selangor Fruit Valley for the first rose onion harvest in the state.
The Ehsan Rose Onion Crop project, managed by the Selangor Agricultural Development Corporation (PKPS), produced 28 metric tons during its initial harvest phase. Dr. Mohamad Khairil Mohamad Razi, PKPS Group CEO, detailed the project's phased rollout over 10 hectares, with full operations anticipated by next year and peak harvest expected by March 2025. The project aims for a yield of approximately 9.88 metric tons per hectare, with planting costs estimated at around $3,560 per hectare, covering labor and utilities.
Rose onions, known for their strong aroma, are a staple in Indian and Malay cuisines. By leveraging Internet of Things (IoT) technology, PKPS aims to optimize fertilization and nutrient management, enhancing yield efficiency. The Smart Ehsan Onion app supports data collection and analysis for this purpose. Mohamad Khairil highlighted the economic benefits, noting the average price of imported rose onions and the project's potential to stabilize prices and support national food security.
A study at the Agriculture Centre of Excellence in Selangor Fruit Valley is investigating the production of high-quality onions using the Bangalore Rose Onion variety. This effort aligns with a broader national goal to achieve 30% self-sufficiency in local onion production by 2030, as outlined by Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup. With Malaysia heavily reliant on onion imports, the ministry is focusing on research to reduce dependence on foreign onions and garlic, aiming to boost local shallot production.
Source: The Star