SINCE its establishment in 2020, Kairos Agriculture, through its vanilla smart farm, has been producing various vanilla-based products.
Located in Penanti, Seberang Perai, Kairos Agriculture is celebrated as the country’s first vanilla smart farm. The farm sits on a six-acre plot in the Permatang Pauh Agro-Park and Integrated Eco-Farm.
Kairos Agriculture is fully owned by Jubli Rebak Baru Sdn Bhd. The vanilla smart farm was launched by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow back in August 2020.
The smart farm has adopted a range of advanced technologies, including Big Data, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things, machine learning and drones, to optimise the cultivation of vanilla.
These innovations have allowed the farm to significantly reduce the growth period of vanilla plants from the usual four to five years to just two and a half years.
Kairos Agriculture chief operating officer Joseph Chan said vanilla is one of the most popular and expensive flavours.
“Each kilogram of vanilla can easily cost between RM800 and RM1,200. We collaborate with local companies to promote and sell our products.
“Vanilla’s versatility is evident in its widespread use as a flavouring in food and beverages, from ice cream to coffee, and in various cooking and baking applications.
“Realising this, we have used the vanilla extracts to produce various products such as coffee, ice cream, massage oil, sweetener, mosquito repellent, powder, hand sanitiser, perfume essential oil and others.
“So far, these vanilla-based products have received an encouraging response from the public,” Chan told Buletin Mutiara during an interview at the farm recently.
Chan explained that the farm’s controlled environment – regulating humidity, temperature and light intensity within the greenhouse – has been key to successfully growing healthy vanilla plants and maximising their yield.
Although the farm’s first harvest last year was modest, Kairos Agriculture is looking at a full harvest of up to 3.5 tonnes in January next year, as the vanilla plants mature in phases.
Chan said the vanilla farm has also become a popular destination for agricultural enthusiasts and vanilla connoisseurs.
Visitors can sample various vanilla-flavoured products at the on-site cafe, take agricultural tours to learn more about the farm’s practices and purchase vanilla merchandise and products.
Looking ahead, Chan shared plans to open a vanilla-themed ice cream shop on Penang island by the end of the year, offering a unique taste experience.
The company also aims to expand its farming operations to Kuala Lumpur and Selangor through collaboration with Malaysia Agro Exposition Park (Maeps).
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis