In a remarkable debut in onion farming, Azhar Arshad, 57, and his wife, Haslina Hassan, 59, have earned over RM30,000 from their first harvest, igniting their ambition to further expand their agricultural pursuits.
The couple embarked on their onion farming journey on a two-hectare plot in Kampung Pasir Sia, Tembeling Tengah. Despite limited farming experience, their initial harvest yielded nearly four tones of red onions, a milestone they proudly consider a success.
"We learned farming methods from onion growers in West Sumatra, Indonesia, during a visit. However, there's still much for us to improve," Azhar shared with Berita Harian.
One of the key advantages of onion farming, according to Azhar, is its short maturity period of just 75 to 90 days. This efficiency, combined with Malaysia's high local demand for onions, inspired the couple to choose this less common crop for their venture.
Azhar and Halina's journey began with a shared passion for agriculture and a vision to explore new opportunities. Haslina credited their interest in innovative farming methods for propelling them toward onion cultivation.
"Onion farming is not as common here as in Indonesia or India. With guidance from the Pahang Department of Agriculture and the Jerantut District Agriculture Office, as well as the support of six workers, we aim to become the leading onion producers in Pahang," she said.
Azhar, who commutes regularly from Sepang, Selangor, to manage their farm, also oversees other crops such as pineapples, coconuts, jackfruit, bananas, and durians. He attributes much of their success to his wife's unwavering support and their ability to work as a team.
While the couples first harvest was a triumph, the journey wasn't without its challenges. Heavy rainfall and fungal diseases pose significant threats to onion cultivation, which demands careful monitoring and management.
Despite these hurdles, Azhar remains optimistic. The couple plans to expand their cultivation area by an additional 1.8 hectares next year, focusing on the Bima Brebes onion variety from East Java, Indonesia. Known for its high profitability, this variety holds great promise for their future harvests.
Encouraged by their initial success, Azhar and Haslina are determined to scale up their operations and solidify their position in Malaysia's agricultural sector. Their story serves as an inspiration to aspiring farmers, showcasing how passion, determination, and a willingness to learn can lead to remarkable achievements.
As they prepare for their second planting phase, the couple looks forward to doubling their success and contributing to Malaysia's onion supply. Their journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the rewards of embracing new opportunities.
Source: Berita Harian
