Kelantan: The Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI) has introduced a shallot cultivation technique that has the potential to reduce the country's reliance on imported shallots, thereby bolstering national food security. Through its latest research, the institute has developed a method that combines the use of disease-resistant varieties, scheduled planting systems, and high-tech farm management.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, MARDI assistant research officer Farhanim Mohamed stated that the technique is capable of producing premium-quality shallots with yields of up to 15 tonnes per hectare, depending on proper soil management practices. Farhanim highlighted the country's current dependence on imports from nations such as India and Thailand for its shallot supply.
She emphasized that widespread adoption of this method among local farmers could significantly reduce import costs, increase farmers' income, and ensure a more stable supply. Farhanim also encouraged the public to utilize available space at home for shallot cultivation, which is simple and can be done using pots, planters, or small plots, provided there is sufficient sunlight.
The technique involves selecting healthy shallots, planting them half-submerged in loose soil, and watering them once a day to ensure optimum growth. The recommended growing medium is a mix of garden soil, bris soil, compost, and sand, with a pH of around 6.0 to 7.0. Shallots can be harvested after 90 to 100 days, while young leaves can be picked as early as three weeks for cooking purposes.
In addition to being easy to grow, home cultivation of shallots can help reduce kitchen expenses, provide a fresh supply of cooking ingredients, and contribute to national food security. MARDI offers guidance from the first day of planting until the harvesting process to support individuals interested in this endeavor.
The three-day Kelantan PMR 2025 event, spearheaded by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) in collaboration with the Implementation Coordination Unit, Prime Minister's Department (ICU JPM), and supported by multiple ministries and government agencies, is showcasing this initiative. The programme provides over 100 services to the public, highlights the latest technology, and presents initiatives to engage with the community through the comprehensive MADANI Government approach.