RM1 Million To Develop Perlis Harumanis Industry - Ahmad Shabery
ARAU, Nov 21 (Bernama) -- The Perlis harumanis mango will be even sweeter in the future with the injection of RM1 million by the government to develop the industry.
Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek said the allocation was for drainage and planting of the trees as well as other logistics needed to increase the productivity and marketing of these mangoes.
"There were allocations before, but it is not much this year...we will also look at possibly additional funds which could be given, maybe from the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) budget," he told reporters after launching the 'Improving the Harumanis' Workshop 2017 at Universiti Teknologi MARA Perlis campus here today.
He said the ministry would work to obtain additional funds especially for research on the harumanis mango so as to improve the quality of the fruit which is the pride of Perlis.
Ahmad Shabery added that specific research should be carried out as the harumanis had its own special and exotic features and should be developed as a national brand.
"If we look at the development of the mango industry in neighbouring countries like Thailand...they have special mango bistros which provide a steady supply of mangoes all year round.
"So, the relevant authorities might want to consider efforts to produce harumanis all year round or if they want the harumanis to remain a seasonal fruit," he said.
He added that the decision would depend on the outcome of the one-day workshop.
"Perhaps they want to let harumanis remain a seasonal fruit so as to keep it as an exotic fruit, so it is up to the workshop to decide," he said.
Commenting on the price of the harumanis mango which is said to be exorbitant, at RM30 to RM50 per kilogramme, Ahmad Shabery said this was not a worrying issue as the fruit was exclusive to this country.
-- BERNAMA
