Taking Harumanis to another level

Branded fruit: The popular Harumanis mangoes from Perlis will soon be marketed under the ‘Kayangan Harumanis’ brand name. — Filepic

PETALING JAYA: Just as Pahang is trying to make the Musang King durian global, Perlis is doing the same with its tasty Harumanis mango.

The Perlis Agriculture Department has appointed Kayangan Agro Farm Sdn Bhd (KAF) as its exclusive partner to market and distribute Harumanis mangoes under the brand “Kayangan Harumanis”.

“Malaysians can be assured that they are buying genuine Harumanis mangoes from Perlis with the Kayangan Harumanis brand,” said Perlis Agriculture Department director Hafizuddin Othman.

The Harumanis is currently one of the most celebrated mango cultivars, with Perlis laying claim that only those that are grown in the state can be categorised as Harumanis.

“Perlis Harumanis mangoes are renowned for their extraordinary taste and refined quality that comes by being grown in Perlis’ unique sub-climate,” said Hafizuddin in a statement after signing an agreement with KAF in Kangar yesterday.

Rated one of the best mangoes in the world, Harumanis is known as the “King of Mangoes” in Malaysia thanks to its distinctive flavour and texture.

When grown under the Perlis microclimate and soil, the mango’s peak season is typically between April and June.

KAF will manage all aspects of marketing and distribution of Kayangan Harumanis mangoes, with the partnership in place for three years, with an option to extend for another two years.

KAF will oversee grading and quality control processes, establish collection centres, formalise contracts with Harumanis farmers who do community farming (kelompok), as well as train them on the best practices in growing the highly desirable fruit.

“KAF will work closely with farmers to acquire our target of one million kilogram for the 2023 season. We will improve their livelihoods through yield optimisation, strict quality control, and efficient distribution,” said Mohd Nasir Jamil, co-CEO of KAF, which will also market the fruit to places such as Singapore and Brunei.

According to KAF president Datuk Mohd Farid Md Yusof, his company is ready to commit at least RM35mil over a five-year development period.

KAF added that the mangoes will be available for pre-orders online by January next year.