New onion variety launched to boost local production

A new high-yielding red onion variety, the ‘Red Ruby’, was launched yesterday by the Junior Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, Mr Gilles Fabrice David, in Réduit, as part of efforts to boost local onion production, strengthen seed self-sufficiency and reduce dependence on imports. A booklet on the new variety was also launched on the occasion.

The Chief Executive Officer of Food and Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (FAREI), Dr Madhvee Madhou, stakeholders of the industry as well as planters were present at the event.

In his address, Junior Minister David described the introduction of Red Ruby as a significant milestone in strengthening local seed production, promoting onion cultivation and enhancing national food security. He indicated that the annual onion consumption in Mauritius is estimated at around 19,000 tonnes, of which local production accounts for only around 35% while the remaining 65% is imported at approximately Rs 437 million yearly. Mauritius, he stated, also imports around 70% of its onion seed requirements, consisting entirely of hybrid varieties, at a cost of some Rs 30 million.

The Junior Minister commended FAREI and the planters involved in the development and introduction of Red Ruby. He encouraged researchers to develop crop varieties that are more resistant to diseases, thereby improving productivity and reducing reliance on pesticides.

Mr David reaffirmed Government’s commitment to increasing local food production, improving the quality of agricultural produce and reducing dependence on imported food, seeds and pesticides. He further called on FAREI to update its agricultural guides to provide planters with clearer guidance on pesticide use and compliance with recommended limits. On that note, he announced that Government would introduce regulations regarding the use of pesticide, including limits on their application, to strengthen control and prevent misuse.

For her part, Dr Madhou highlighted the strategic importance of onion as a staple ingredient in high demand in Mauritius. She explained that FAREI had undertaken research to address the demand for onions, enhance productivity and quality, and reduce dependence on imports, while strengthening the country’s capacity to achieve greater self-sufficiency. She added that the introduction of Red Ruby would support the Government’s objective of producing 25% of the country’s food requirements locally by 2035.

Developed by FAREI following a nine-year breeding programme, Red Ruby is an open-pollinated variety that produces uniform, firm and globular-shaped bulbs with excellent outer-scale retention, making them suitable for long-term storage. It is adapted to all onion-growing regions of Mauritius and can be cultivated even during the off-season, with yields of up to 42 tonnes per hectare. As an open-pollinated variety, Red Ruby will allow planters to produce their own seeds, thus reducing reliance on imported seed varieties and promoting the long-term sustainability of local onion production.

23 October 2026

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Topics: Agriculture