Easy does it: Mohd Nasir picking a Harumanis mango with his son at his farm at Sungai Batu Pahat in Kangar, Perlis.
KANGAR: Despite the soaring demand for Harumanis mangoes, farmers are grappling to meet expectations as the prolonged hot spell is dashing hopes for a fruitful harvest this year.
Farmer Mohd Nasir Salim, 33, said his farm failed to produce the usual yield due to the ongoing heatwave.
“This year, I received plenty of orders, higher than usual, but I am unable to fulfil some of them.” Mohd Nasir said so far, he had only sold slightly over 500kg, which was considerably less than normal.
“The season will continue until the end of June, and I hope the output will be better in the next few weeks,” he added.
Azhar Umar, 45, said fewer fruits this year meant that the price would go up for the aromatic mangoes.
“This year, some traders are charging about RM30 per kg for Harummanis compared to the previous season which was between RM20 and RM25,” he said.
He hopes that relevant agencies can assist farmers in enhancing their yield, particularly in addressing irrigation challenges during droughts.
“Perhaps they could support us in constructing small irrigation canals near our farms for water usage during future hot spells,” he said.
On average, Harumanis mangoes can fetch between RM20 and RM25 per kg in Perlis but in other parts of the country, it is typically higher.
It is also the most expensive local mango in the country, with prices reaching RM40 per kg in the past.
Harvested only once a year, the sweet and aromatic Harumanis is a special breed of mangoes that maintains its green skin even when it is ripe.
They are highly sought after and exported to countries like Singapore, Japan, China and the United States.
The ideal temperature for the Harumanis mangoes to pollinate and produce fruits is between 31ºC and 32ºC.
Meanwhile, Perlis Harumanis Entrepreneurs Association chairman Datuk Hashim Suboh said government agencies should come forward to help Harumanis farmers and entrepreneurs in Perlis in improving their yield.
“I think the biggest challenge is meeting increasing demand.
“It’s crucial to identify factors contributing to shortages and address them through proactive measures such as plantation monitoring, research and development and sustainable farming practices so there will be continued growth and sustainability of Harumanis, which is an important part of the country’s agricultural heritage,” he said.
