Production of 'Harum Manis' mangoes affected by El Nino: Fama

KOTA BARU: The Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) expects a 60% drop in the production of Harum Manis mangoes this year following the El Nino phenomenon.
Fama deputy director-general (Development) Mansor Omar said the agency was not able to export mangoes to Japan because of the need to meet domestic demand.
"Last year, we produced 25,000 tonnes of Harum Manis mangoes with half of them being exported to Japan and Singapore.
"However, this year with 60% of the production expected to be affected, we will only be able to export the fruits to Singapore and keep the rest for domestic consumption," he said.
He was speaking to reporters after officiating the Orchid and Flora Festival at the Tunjong Rural Transformation Centre here, last night.
The 10-day Orchid and Flora Festival, which started on Thursday with 95 entrepreneurs who are into orchid cultivation participating from all over the country, is expected to attract 250,000 visitors with sales of RM3 million.
He said the ministry will conduct a study of seasonal and non-seasonal fruits and others which may be affected by this phenomenon.
He said the government has given approval to Fama to import fruits and vegetables from overseas if local production is insufficient to meet domestic demand. — Bernama