In the report, Datuk Dr Mohamad Zabawi Abd Ghanim director-general of the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi) director general, the large-scale plantation of onions could begin as early as next year. This is due to the fact the fact that Malaysia seeks self-sufficiency in the production of onions, with hopes to decrease its dependence on imports as well as boost local red onion production.

The data of Malaysia’s Agricultural Commodity Supply and Use Account (2018-2022) indicate that Malaysia predominantly imported fresh onions. This includes white, small, and large varieties. India as the principal source (62 percent) which is followed by Netherlands (15 percent), China (9%), Pakistan (8%), Thailand (2%), Egypt (2%) as well as other nations (2 percent).

In 2022, Malaysia’s total onions imports, which included a variety of varieties totaled 685.4 tons worth RM1,578.4mil which is a 9.9 percent increase over the previous year’s 622.2 tons that was valued at RM1,477.6mil. Large onions made up the largest portion of the imports making up 71 percent (485.1 tons) and being followed by garlic with 22.1 percent (161.7 tons) and smaller onions with 6.3 percent (38.6 tonnes).

[ RM1 = EUR0.20 ]

Source: thestar.com.my