KUALA SELANGOR, Nov 29 (Bernama) -- Selangor Agricultural Development Corporation’s (PKPS) Ehsan Rose Onion Crop project has managed to produce 28 tons of the small red onion in the first phase of its harvest involving 3.2 hectares of land.
PKPS group chief executive officer (CEO) Dr Mohamad Khairil Mohamad Razi said the project involving a total of 10 hectares was divided into three phases, the first phase being 3.2 hectares and 3.6 hectares for the second and third phases respectively.
"A total of 25 acres (10 hectares) will be fully operational Jan 1 next year and a maximum capacity harvest can be expected in March 2025 with an expected yield of four tons per acre.
"The cost for planting the onions per acre totals RM16,800 including labour and utilities costs,” he said at the harvest ceremony in Selangor Fruit Valley here today.
He said that the harvested onions will be sold at several locations under the care of PKPS, including Ehsan Mart, Ehsan Rahmah Sales locations, Ehsan Segi Fresh outlets and the Selangor wholesale market.
Mohamad Khairil explained that the 'Internet of Things' (IoT) technology was also used to monitor and optimise fertiliser use, manage nutrients and ensure cost and resources efficiency in real-time, with the data being collected continuously to be interpreted in an online app, Smart Ehsan Onion.
"Based on the latest data, the average price of rose onions imported from India is around RM7.82 per kilogramme (kg), with price variation depending on location and supplier as well as import costs, product quality and market demand.
"With continuous support from the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry (KPKM) and the state government agency, we are optimistic that this project can meet local demand, contribute to the stability of rose onion prices and strengthen the Selangor and national food security agenda,” he said, adding that there was an ongoing study on the Ehsan Rose Onion under the Selangor Fruit Valley’s Agriculture Centre of Excellence to boost production of high quality onions in line with local demand.
"We use the Bangalore Rose Onion, a unique variety said to be the best in resisting disease and suitable for planting in various temperature climates.
"The results of the study that is entering its fourth month is expected to provide valuable input to the development of the rose onion and the production of better yields on a commercial scale,” he said, adding that the current type of rose onion requires about 135 days before it can be harvested.
Meanwhile, Selangor Infrastructure and Agriculture Committee chairman Izham Hashim said the onion crop would be expanded to other identified areas in the state under the People’s Income Initiative (IPR) and to turn Selangor into a rose breed and seed hub.
“The local authorities have identified over 200 acres of land in Selangor where we can grow these onions.
"We have also asked to partner with Universiti Putra Malaysia to help ensure the breeding, seeding process can be improved and also the method of crop production, we want to see if there are diseases that might set in… we need to tackle it from the onset,” he said.
Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup had previously said the ministry had identified six states - Perak, Selangor, Perlis, Penang, Pahang and Kelantan - to achieve 30 per cent local onion self-sufficiency by 2030.
-- BERNAMA
