KUCHING, Feb 18: Black soldier flies hold a significant potential as an inexpensive and sustainable source of high-protein animal feed that would help reduce Sarawak’s dependence on imported feed while at the same time making optimum use of organic waste.
In a news report by TVS, Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi emphasised that farming the flies and its production is also capable of reducing issues related to food insecurity.
He further explained that the dependence of local breeders on raw materials from foreign countries have caused market prices for food like chicken meat to increase.
“We have many issues regarding dependence on importing raw materials or feed supplements from abroad.
“Therefore, we were tasked by Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg to produce animal feed from organic waste and palm oil. Now, perhaps we can add black soldier flies as protein additives in animal feed. I think we have a good future farming the flies,” he said when met by TVS after a site visit to the BSF Mega Factory in Rantau Panjang in Sibu on Friday (Feb 17).
According to research, black soldier fly larvae have an outstanding ability to convert organic waste (consisting of mixed or separate waste) into biomass rich in fat and protein and have good nutritional potential as animal feed.
Dr Rundi added that agencies such as the Sarawak Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (Salcra) are also capable of further developing such farms in the future.
On the challenges to expand the development of black soldier fly farms throughout Sarawak, he said the two main challenges are technology and entrepreneurs who are ready to venture into the industry.
“We are grateful to be able to visit this BSF Mega Factory. But, I see there could be improvements in several areas so that we could cut down the cost for logistics.
“I believe that graduates or start-up entrepreneurs will be more motivated when they see good returns. So the challenge is to change the mindset of the people to realise Sarawak’s aspirations for the agriculture sector,” he said.
Dr Rundi hopes that more young people would get involved in the industry and play a role in ensuring the food safety and security of Sarawak. — DayakDaily
