KANGAR: Selling Perlis' iconic Harumanis for up to RM40 per kilogramme outside the state is reasonable as the mango is difficult to cultivate.
Raja Muda of Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail said Harumanis is one of the key attractions for the state for Visit Perlis Year 2024-2025.
"The market price for Harumanis is reasonable as it is complicated and difficult to care for the trees.
"I hope Harumanis farmers in the state will get myGAP certification in line with the target to produce premium and safe crop," said Tuanku Syed Faizuddin at the Perlis Harumanis Mango Festival 2024 organised by the Perlis Agriculture Department at Masjid Tuanku Syed Putra Jamalullail here yesterday.
He called on Harumanis farmers to adhere to the advice and guidance of the Agriculture Department to produce premium crop.
"I am told that farmers have to tend to the trees daily, besides dealing with unpredictable weather and the threat of pests and diseases.
"I call on all parties to play their role and work together to ensure issues in the supply chain will be managed effectively to improve yield, while preserving the quality of Perlis' Harumanis."
In his speech, state Agriculture, Plantation and Food Industry Committee chairman Razali Saad said the sales value of Perlis Harumanis was expected to reach RM44.48 million this year, compared with RM31.08 million last year.
He said the 2,693 Harumanis farmers in Perlis were expected to produce nearly 1,800 metric tonnes of the mango this year, involving 1,611.59ha of orchards.
"The local retail price for Harumanis is between RM25 and RM45 (per kg)," he said.
The Perlis Harumanis season began this month and is expected to last until June.
