The founder of Kebun Rahsia said she was searching for alternatives to expensive livestock feed in 2019 when she discovered the potential of BSFL as a cost-effective and eco-friendly option.
“By using BSFL, I can save up to 50% on livestock feed costs. The savings are even greater when I breed the larvae myself,” she told Bernama at her farm in Kamunting.
Liyana said BSFL also contributes to environmental sustainability by helping dispose of food waste, which serves as the larvae’s main food source.
The mother of four shared that she has never felt squeamish about handling the larvae, describing them as “nature’s cleaners” as they consume her household food waste, as well as leftovers collected from nearby residents.
BSFL farming further produces organic fertiliser from larval waste and shed skins, which are both rich in protein and highly beneficial for soil and crops.
“It helps improve soil quality, keeps plants healthier, and enriches the land. When given to animals, livestock also grow larger than usual,” Liyana noted.
She explained that the larvae have a relatively short life cycle, taking about two months to reach a size suitable for livestock feed.
“The eggs hatch within three to four days, followed by a larval stage lasting two weeks. The larvae then enter the pre-pupal and pupal stages, which take another two weeks, before becoming adult flies – and the cycle continues.”
Liyana’s farm produces between 300kg and 500kg of BSFL each month. “Black soldier flies are not like house flies; they only lay eggs in clean environments and do not spread diseases. BSFL are safe for all types of livestock,” she explained.
Keen to share her knowledge, she has introduced a starter kit priced at RM150. “It comes with eggs, basic equipment, a video guide and two months of mentoring. It is enough to complete one breeding cycle.
“My focus is on small-scale farmers, gardeners and home breeders,” Liyana added, saying she aims to build a community of 1,000 black soldier fly farmers by the end of this year.
Meanwhile, fish farmer Abdul Majid Fitri said BSFL had helped him cut his feed costs by up to 70%.
“I farm about 4,000 catfish. By combining pellets with BSFL in their diet, the fish grow faster. Usually, it takes 40 days for them to reach market size, but now it only takes about three weeks.”
However, his main challenge lies in securing sufficient food waste to feed the larvae. Currently, Fitri collects scraps, including coffee grounds, from households and eateries.
As such, Liyana is calling on the public and food operators in Perak to contribute their food waste.
“It’s a win-win situation. We get feed for the larvae, and the community no longer needs to worry about waste disposal. We also provide free collection services,” she added.