An onion farming project in Pahang has turned into a significant success for a couple, earning over RM30,000 from their first harvest. This remarkable achievement has spurred them to expand their venture further, with the couple aiming to become major players in the state’s onion production.
Azhar Arshad, 57, and his wife, Haslina Hassan, 59, embarked on their onion farming journey in September, starting with a two-hectare plot of land. Despite lacking experience in the field, their first harvest yielded nearly four tonnes of onions, which brought in more than RM30,000. This success has fueled their determination to grow their farm further and explore new opportunities within the onion farming industry.
The couple’s motivation to start the onion farming project came from their interest in agriculture, as well as the high demand for onions in Malaysia. After learning about the potential profitability of onion farming, they decided to focus on cultivating Bima Brebes onions, a variety grown in East Java, Indonesia, which has gained recognition for its commercial viability.
During a visit to West Sumatra, Indonesia, Azhar and Haslina observed how local farmers successfully grew onions and applied these methods to their own farming efforts. The couple found that onion cultivation had a relatively short maturity period of between 75 and 90 days, making it an attractive crop for quick returns. Additionally, compared to other vegetables, onion farming requires less intensive maintenance, which further encouraged them to pursue it.
While the couple encountered several challenges during their initial attempt, such as weather conditions and limited experience, their hard work paid off. Azhar highlighted that the weather, particularly rain, posed a challenge since onions are not tolerant to excess water. Additionally, fungal diseases, which can cause onions to rot, were another obstacle they had to contend with. Despite these setbacks, Azhar expressed confidence that the second phase of their onion farming project would yield even better results.
One of the key factors that contributed to the success of the project was the strong support from Azhar’s wife, Haslina. She has been instrumental in the farm’s operations and is equally passionate about the farming business. Her involvement has been crucial to the project’s growth, and she believes that with hard work and continued dedication, their onion farming business will thrive.
Apart from onions, the couple also runs several other farms, including pineapple, coconut, cempedak, banana, durian, and jackfruit farms. They have been involved in these agricultural ventures for the past five years, and they see onion farming as an exciting addition to their portfolio. Despite the distance from their home in Sepang, Selangor to the farms in Pahang, Azhar commutes weekly to ensure that their farms are well-managed. His deep interest in agriculture and his commitment to the success of their ventures keep him motivated.
The couple is not working alone. They are assisted by six workers who help with day-to-day operations. Additionally, they receive guidance from local agricultural authorities, including the Pahang Agriculture Department and the Jerantut District Agriculture Office, which provide valuable advice and support to ensure the success of their farm. With their efforts, the couple hopes to become the leading onion producers in Pahang, contributing to the state’s agricultural development and inspiring other farmers to pursue similar ventures.
The Pahang Agriculture Department has expressed its commitment to supporting farmers interested in large-scale onion cultivation. They see Azhar and Haslina’s success as a model for others and believe their efforts will encourage more people to explore the possibilities of onion farming. By expanding their business and increasing production, the couple hopes to meet the growing demand for onions in Malaysia while also securing a sustainable income for themselves and their workers.
As the couple looks toward the future, they are optimistic about the potential of their onion farming project. With the right support, continued dedication, and careful management, they are poised to become one of the key players in Malaysia’s onion industry. Their journey from a small two-hectare farm to a successful agricultural business is a testament to their perseverance and vision, and it serves as an inspiration to others looking to break into the world of farming.
