KUALA SELANGOR: Selangor Agricultural Development Corporation’s (PKPS) Ehsan Rose Onion Crop project has successfully produced 28 tons of small red onions in the first phase of its harvest, covering 3.2 hectares of land.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, PKPS group chief executive officer (CEO) Dr. Mohamad Khairil Mohamad Razi stated that the project, which spans a total of 10 hectares, is divided into three phases. The initial phase covers 3.2 hectares, while the second and third phases will utilize 3.6 hectares each.
Dr. Mohamad Khairil highlighted that the entire 10 hectares will be fully operational by January 1 of next year, with a maximum capacity harvest anticipated by March 2025, expecting yields of four tons per acre. The cost of planting the onions is estimated at RM16,800 per acre, which includes labor and utilities expenses.
The harvested onions will be distributed through various PKPS-managed outlets, including Ehsan Mart, Ehsan Rahmah Sales locations, Ehsan Segi Fresh outlets, and the Selang
or wholesale market. Furthermore, the project employs ‘Internet of Things’ (IoT) technology to optimize fertilization, manage nutrients, and ensure cost and resource efficiency in real-time. This data is continuously collected and managed via the Smart Ehsan Onion online application.
Dr. Mohamad Khairil noted that the average price for imported rose onions from India is approximately RM7.82 per kilogram, with prices varying based on location, supplier, and market demand. He expressed optimism that, with ongoing support from the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry (KPKM) and the state government agency, the project will meet local demand, stabilize rose onion prices, and enhance both Selangor and national food security.
The ongoing study on Ehsan Rose Onions at the Selangor Fruit Valley’s Agriculture Centre of Excellence aims to boost production quality in response to local demand. The study, now in its fourth month, is expected to yield valuable insights into improving onion production on a commercial sc
ale.
Selangor Infrastructure and Agriculture Committee chairman Izham Hashim announced plans to expand onion cultivation to other areas within Selangor under the People’s Income Initiative (IPR) to transform the state into a hub for rose breed and seed production. Over 200 acres of land have been identified for future cultivation.
Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup previously mentioned that six states, including Selangor, have been identified to achieve 30 percent local onion self-sufficiency by 2030.