Articles
STATUS OF ALLIUMS IN MALAYSIA
Article number
358_17
Pages
115 – 122
Language
Abstract
Alliums (shallot, onion, and garlic) are widely used in Malaysia.
The per capita consumption (1989) was 5.99 kg for shallot and onion grouped together and 1.91 kg for garlic.
About 131 000 tons of shallot and onion, valued at RM106.5 million (US$40.9 million), were imported in 1991. The corresponding figures for garlic were 36 820 tons valued at RM57.9 million (US$22.3 million). There is presently no commercial cultivation of onion, shallot, and garlic for bulb production in Malaysia.
The main constraints to onion and shallot cultivation have been the unavailability of suitable planting material for onion and the high cost of bulbs for shallot.
In an effort to reduce the imports of onion and shallot, research on local production has been intensified.
Recent research identified Nasik Red from India as a suitable onion variety for local conditions.
Yields obtained ranged from 7 to 18 t/ha for onion and from 4 to 8 t/ha for shallot.
Attempts at growing garlic were not successful as no bulbs were obtained though vegetative growth was good.
The per capita consumption (1989) was 5.99 kg for shallot and onion grouped together and 1.91 kg for garlic.
About 131 000 tons of shallot and onion, valued at RM106.5 million (US$40.9 million), were imported in 1991. The corresponding figures for garlic were 36 820 tons valued at RM57.9 million (US$22.3 million). There is presently no commercial cultivation of onion, shallot, and garlic for bulb production in Malaysia.
The main constraints to onion and shallot cultivation have been the unavailability of suitable planting material for onion and the high cost of bulbs for shallot.
In an effort to reduce the imports of onion and shallot, research on local production has been intensified.
Recent research identified Nasik Red from India as a suitable onion variety for local conditions.
Yields obtained ranged from 7 to 18 t/ha for onion and from 4 to 8 t/ha for shallot.
Attempts at growing garlic were not successful as no bulbs were obtained though vegetative growth was good.
Future research plans include producing planting material locally by exploring the possibility of seed production in the highland regions.
Further agronomic studies using organic and inorganic fertilizers and mulches to improve yields will be conducted.
Authors
P. Vimala, R. Siti Zainab, A. Zaharah, H. Salbiah
Keywords
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