IN a world increasingly focused on sustainability and innovative agricultural practices, Miraico Sdn Bhd stands out as the first company in Penang dedicated to sustainable Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae farming.
Founded in May last year, this burgeoning business has quickly become a key player in the smart farming industry, with a unique focus on the BSF. The farm is located at Kampung Valdor in Sungai Bakap.
With an initial investment of around RM500,000, the company has fully tapped into the potential of BSF through the use of automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and data analytics.
Miraico founder and business development head Alex Ang said black soldier flies offer significant benefits in agriculture, waste management, and sustainability.
“They efficiently convert organic waste into valuable biomass and compost, reducing landfill volumes.
“As a high-protein feed source, BSF larvae provide a sustainable alternative to traditional livestock and aquaculture feeds, thus, lowering environmental impact.
“The nutrient-rich frass produced by BSF also enhances soil health and promotes robust plant growth,” Ang told Buletin Mutiara during a recent interview at the farm.
According to Ang, the company can produce around 200kg of black soldier fly larvae per month.
“Temperature and humidity are very critical factors that we meticulously monitor to produce high-quality larvae.
“The BSF larvae can consume organic waste at impressive rates and the by-products are rich in fertilisers and nutrient-dense feed.
“Among the products produced using BSF larvae are organic fertiliser, crude oil, protein powder, and sustainable pet and animal feed.
“These products offer sustainable solutions for agriculture and livestock as well,” he said.
Ang added that usually their products are used by chicken farmers and other agricultural businesses.
“We are not trying to change the food patterns of livestock but rather enhance them with our highly nutritious products,” he said.
Miraico sells its products through social media platforms, including Shopee, Lazada, TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram, and also through its own website at https://miraico.com.my/. The company also plans to expand its market internationally as it continues to grow.
Ang also explained that black soldier flies differ from normal flies.
“Normal flies carry harmful pathogens that can be transmitted to humans when they contaminate their food. However, black soldier flies are harmless, do not carry any harmful pathogens and are environmentally safe,” he explained.
With vast potential in this field, Miraico is not stopping at the black soldier fly. Looking to the future, the company plans to explore other insect species that can contribute to its mission of sustainability and innovation.
As demand for sustainable products continues to rise, Miraico is preparing to scale up its operations, with plans to move to a larger farm by the end of this year.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Eng Kok Wei