Malaysia to cut onion imports by one-third by 2030

Malaysia aims to significantly reduce its dependence on imported onions in the coming years. A government-supported cultivation program is set to decrease imports by 30% by 2030 while simultaneously strengthening farmers' income positions. This was confirmed by the Malaysian Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security last week during a field visit in the state of Kelantan. Currently, the country imports almost 100% of its onion needs. The annual import value exceeds 1 billion ringgit (over €200 million). At this moment, Malaysia is one of the major buyers of Dutch onions. In the first week of February, nearly 1,000 tons of Dutch onions were headed that way. This season, the country has already purchased 28,000 tons of onions here, which is 16% more than in the same period last year. From ambition to implementation The goal of reducing onion imports by 30% is not entirely new. In September 2025, the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi) already expressed the ambition to reduce dependence on imported red onions through a structured local seed program. At that time, the focus was strongly on research, pilot projects, and building a domestic seed chain. In the new reporting, the emphasis clearly shifts from research to implementation. The ministry now emphasizes that concrete field projects are underway and that multiple agencies are involved in scaling up. This gives the plan a more operational character. Attractive for farmers According to the ministry, onions have a relatively short cultivation cycle of about two months. This makes the crop attractive for farmers who want to see quick returns. With a two-month cycle, this crop can develop into a 'productive and commercially viable' cultivation, according to the government. Where, in September, the focus was primarily on successful pioneers, there is now a stronger emphasis on the broader income potential for farmers and the contribution to national food security. The cultivation is no longer limited to one test location. Approximately 8 hectares are being sown in Sabah, while projects are also underway in Pahang as a preparatory step for further expansion. Mardi remains responsible for research and technological support, while executing agencies such as the Department of Agriculture and farmer organizations coordinate the rollout in the field. This seems to prevent a lack of seed or technical knowledge from slowing down growth—a concern that was already mentioned in September but is now explicitly linked to national rollout. Broader food security policy Onion cultivation fits into a broader strategy to reduce dependence on imported staple products. Besides onions, the ministry also mentions maize and meat as products on which Malaysia heavily relies on foreign supply. By gradually increasing production, the government aims to reduce the risk of international disruptions and improve the trade balance. While there was still a focus on potential and test results in September, the government is now explicitly talking about 'success stories in the field' that should convince other farmers.