Malaysia’s new onion farming initiative aims to slash import dependency by 30% by 2030, boosting food security and farmer income with high-yield crops.
KOTA BHARU: A government-backed onion cultivation project is projected to reduce Malaysia’s import dependency by up to 30% by 2030. This initiative is a key part of strengthening the nation’s food security agenda.
Deputy Secretary-General (Development) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Datuk Luqman Ahmad, stated the country currently imports nearly 100% of its onion supply. This import bill is estimated to be worth more than RM1 billion annually.
He highlighted that onions are among several critical food items, including corn and meat, where Malaysia faces high import reliance. Luqman emphasised the need to intensify domestic production in a phased manner to mitigate supply disruption risks.
“Today I went to the field to witness the government’s initiative to introduce onion crops that have high potential,” he said in a statement. He added that this step has a significant impact on reducing import value and enhancing food security.
Luqman noted that onion crops have a short harvest cycle of about two months, providing quick returns for farmers. A pilot project on a 0.8-acre farm generated nearly RM35,000 in a single harvest season, proving its commercial viability.
“If within two months farmers can earn between RM30,000 to RM35,000, this is a very productive crop,” he said. He explained it helps reduce imports while providing farmers with a more guaranteed income source.
Cultivation is already underway in Sabah, covering about eight hectares, and in Pahang as an initial phase. Expansion to other states will depend on land suitability and seed supply availability.
Part of the harvest from the Kelantan pilot project will be used as seeds for distribution to other farmers. Research support and technology transfer will be provided by the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI).
Implementing agencies like the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Organisations will expand field implementation. This coordinated effort aims to ensure comprehensive benefits for the national agro-food sector.
The Sun Malaysia
