The current weather extremes in Malaysia are giving some 400 Harumanis mango farmers in Chuping a real headache: The scorching heat is threatening the pollinating process of the fruits.
Last Friday, the temperature in Chuping reached about 37°C, making the area the hottest place in the country. This has also resulted in the flowers dropping prematurely from the trees.
Perlis Agriculture Department crop development agent Mohd Shafarin Puteh said it had rained only twice since January: “It is true that Harumanis mangoes require hot weather to grow well, but this year’s weather is extremely hot. The ideal temperature for the mangoes to pollinate and produce fruits is between 31ºC and 32ºC but now our daily afternoon temperature is 36°C.”
Mohd Shafarin said some 35,000 Harumanis trees would be at risk unless it rains soon: “We have about 300ha of Harumanis farms, with an average of 123 trees per hectare. Last year, we produced about 750 tonnes of the fruit but with the present weather, I think there would be a drop.”
It also spoke to farm owner Mohamad Zaki Khotob, who has about 100 trees. He expected a drop in the harvest this year. “I think the harvesting would be delayed to July or August. The hot weather has slowed down the growth of the fruits. This is probably the worst season in the past five years. Hopefully, the rain will come soon.”
