From Lab to Farm: Researchers at the Universiti Malaya Employ Black Soldier Fly As Innovative Approaches to Sustainable Agriculture
- UM Research
- 13 hours ago
- 4 min read
The increasing demand for sustainable and cost-effective protein sources in Malaysia has catalysed significant advancements in animal nutrition and aquafeed. Malaysia's strong agricultural sector and dependence on imported feed ingredients present challenges in ensuring food security and minimising environmental impact.
Associate Professor Dr. Norhidayah Binti Mohd Taufek, a Senior Lecturer at Institute of Biological Sciences Universiti Malaya, is using the Black Soldier Fly (BSF) to create a game-changing project that might change the animal feed Industry in Malaysia. The project addresses important issues, including food security and environmental sustainability. Emerging as a game-changer for sustainable agriculture in Malaysia, the BSF can transform organic waste into high-quality protein.
The Black Soldier Fly: An Eco-Friendly Protein Source
The global interest in the Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) stems from its potential as a sustainable protein source. The larvae serve as an excellent substitute for traditional animal feed components such as corn, soy, and fishmeal due to their elevated levels of protein, vital amino acids, and lipids. BSF larvae is considered nutritious protein for animals and make good use of organic waste by turning spoiled food, agri-byproduct waste, and even sewage sludge into biomass rich in protein.
Conventional feed sources are becoming more expensive and unsustainable, while organic waste management is becoming an increasingly serious issue in Malaysia. This sustainable alternative seeks to solve both of these concerns. The BSF farming method provides a sustainable and cost-effective alternative by recycling food waste into nutritious animal feed.
Leading the Way in Animal Feed Innovation
Dr. Hidayah, a leading researcher in insect farming and animal nutrition, is innovating a novel approach. Her research, which focuses on optimising the production of BSF larvae, is a beacon of hope for Malaysia's agricultural industry. Her work is not just about boosting farming efficiency and enhancing the larvae's nutritional profile, but also about inspiring a new era of sustainable agriculture in Malaysia. She explains the environmental and economic advantages of BSF farming. "More Malaysians will be able to enjoy the benefits of this sustainable practice as we work to link theoretical studies with real-world applications."
The paradigm of the circular economy, which she is working to promote, involves recycling and reusing materials. The Black Soldier Fly plays a crucial role in this system by converting organic waste into high-quality protein, thereby reducing the environmental impact of waste disposal. Through her work, Dr. Hidayah hopes to change people’s minds on waste management and food security in Malaysia, demonstrating the potential of the Black Soldier Fly to create a more sustainable and resilient future.
Economic and Environmental Advantages
Dr. Hidayah pointed out that BSFL can transform various forms of organic waste into high-protein biomass. Throughout this bioconversion process, the BSF will generate residues consisting of exoskeletons, unconsumed substrates, and nitrogenous waste, collectively referred to as frass. The frass can serve as fertiliser in various crops.
At present, multiple commercialised frass products are generated by BSF industries in Malaysia. The organic frass is widely accepted due to its favourable nitrogen: phosphorus: potassium composition and the presence of chitin from the BSF exoskeleton, which is advantageous for plants and soils. These environmental benefits are complemented by the economic advantages of BSF farming as animal protein source, which is more economical and uses locally obtained resources compared to feed materials imported from other countries. This helps small-scale farmers and lessens their reliance on unpredictable global feed markets.
Getting Over Obstacles and Growing
Despite the potential benefits, there are obstacles to expanding BSF farming in Malaysia. However, Dr. Hidayah and her research team at the Universiti Malaya are not working in isolation. They are collaborating with local farmers, industries, and government agencies to find solutions to these problems. The establishment of pilot projects and living lab farm in UM is a testament to their commitment to making BSF farming a reality in Malaysia.
Dr. Hidayah emphasises that farmers cannot adopt BSF farming without access to education and resources. She and her team are collaborating with researchers and the agricultural community to build a supportive ecosystem. The emphasis on education and resources is crucial in ensuring the successful adoption of BSF farming in Malaysia. Legislative frameworks that promote BSF farming are also being actively pursued. This is all to ensure that BSF farming fits perfectly with Malaysia's agricultural system.
Enhancing BSF Research and Education: The Insective Lab
At the Universiti Malaya, particularly within the Ladang Mini Institute of Biological Sciences (ISB), Dr. Hidayah, as the farm coordinator, has been instrumental in establishing a student-led social enterprise named Insective Lab, which advocates for the utilisation of black soldier flies on the mini farm. They are currently working with local schools to spread awareness about sustainable agricultural techniques and create alternative chicken and fish diets with the help of student volunteers.
Sustainable Agriculture in Malaysia: What Lies Ahead
Malaysia stands to gain a great deal from implementing BSF farming. A comprehensive approach to addressing the country's most critical agricultural concerns, BSF farming reduces dependence on foreign feed components, lessens environmental impacts, and promotes economic prospects.
According to Dr Hidayah, BSF farming is a prime example of how innovation can simultaneously tackle economic and environmental issues. Malaysia is making great strides toward future generations' food security, economic stability, and environmental health by investing in sustainable practices and embracing waste-to-nutrient technology. She welcomes collaborative initiatives from any researchers, policymakers, and industries interested in utilising BSF for diverse applications to contact her athidayah.taufek@um.edu.my. Collaboration is crucial for reshaping the national agenda to cultivate a sustainable and resilient agricultural future.
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Researchers featured:
Associate Professor Dr. Norhidayah Binti Mohd Taufek
Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya
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Author:
Ms Tan Wei Nie
With a keen interest, Tan Wei Nie, a PhD candidate in law, enriches her studies by fusing science with narrative, uncovering connections between the two fields. Her passion for nature and staying active fuels her enthusiasm for life and learning, infusing her journey with unexpected thrills and excitement.
Copyedit:
Siti Farhana Bajunid Shakeeb Arsalaan Bajunid, Assistant Registrar, UM
Nurhazrin Zanzabir, Assistant Administrative Officer, UM