Hot Weather A Boon To Harumanis Growers With Sweeter Bountiful Yields

KANGAR, April 15 (Bernama) -- The hot weather in Perlis this year has become a boon for Harumanis mango growers, as they reap higher yields compared to last year.

A Bernama survey found that most growers believe the hot conditions not only improved fruit production, but enhanced the sweetness and overall quality of the Harumanis mango.

Harumanis orchard operator Abdul Hanan Saad, 42, expressed his pleasure with this year’s harvest, which has doubled compared to the 2025 season.

“My Harumanis orchards cover about 0.32 hectares each in Hutan Temin and Hutan Lembah, with around 200 trees in total.

“I estimate I can harvest about six metric tonnes of Harumanis from mid-March until the end of June this year, compared to only about three tonnes last season,” he said.

Abdul Hanan said most of the Harumanis flowers in his orchards developed well this year without fungal infections caused by high humidity, unlike last year’s unpredictable rainy conditions that disrupted pollination.

“Last season, rain during the pollination period damaged many flowers, and some fell off, or developed fungus. This year’s hot weather has made it easier to manage and maintain the trees,” he said, noting that this year’s harvest was sweeter, a view shared by many of his customers.

He added that his orchards, which he has been operating for four years, have received guidance from the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) Perlis office.

Fellow Harumanis grower, Zainol Abidin Ahmad, 71, said the hot weather has enabled mangoes grown on his six-hectare farm in Mata Ayer to be harvested earlier - within 45 to 50 days compared to the usual 58 to 60 days.

While he acknowledged that hot weather increased production, he said it has also posed challenges in managing the harvest, as fruits ripened too quickly and could fall and spoil before being picked.

Zainol Abidin said the conditions also help reduce pest attacks, although continuous monitoring is still necessary to maintain fruit quality.

“If we are late in monitoring, the fruit will drop and be damaged. This has happened quite often this year due to faster ripening,” he said.

He manages about 400 Harumanis trees and has produced over 10,000 fruits so far for the 2026 season, with about 5,000 already sold. His customers also gave feedback that the fruits were sweeter and of better quality this season.

Meanwhile, Perlis FAMA director Mohd Anzara Azizan said the supply and sales of Harumanis mangoes in the state have increased in 2026 compared to last year, driven by higher production and sustained market demand.

“To date, production has reached 1.36 million fruits, equivalent to 610.73 metric tonnes, which is about 61 per cent of the total seasonal projection.

“Compared to last year, we are seeing a significant increase both in output and sales value, with this season performing better due to more stable supply and strengthened marketing channels,” he said.

-- BERNAMA