In response to Malaysia's substantial onion import bill exceeding RM1 billion annually, the nation is embarking on a strategic shift towards self-sufficiency in shallot production. In 2022, Malaysia imported 687,000 tons of onions, including 38 tons of shallots, to meet its domestic demand. The average Malaysian consumes about 1.2kg of onions each year, with imports primarily from India, the Netherlands, China, Thailand, and Pakistan. The Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi) initiated research in 2020 to develop suitable seedlings for shallot cultivation, given the unsuitability of large onions for local production.
For the project's first phase, spanning 2024 to 2025, efforts will focus on producing 70,000 tons of shallot seedlings, alongside an additional 230kg from Mardi. Approximately 100ha of land will be dedicated to this endeavor, with an expected yield of 1,000 tons of shallots. Initial plantings have occurred across 1.2ha of land by Negri Sembilan and Selangor farmers associations and one hectare in Bikam Plantation in Perak, with the first harvest anticipated in April. The project's second phase, from 2026 to 2030, aims to cultivate shallots on 1,347ha of land, potentially satisfying 30% of Malaysia's demand by 2030. Despite the likelihood of higher costs for locally grown shallots, this initiative is deemed essential for ensuring alternative sources amidst potential international supply disruptions.
Source: thestar.com.my