SWIFTLET FARMING HELPS SUPPLEMENT INCOME

By Syed Azwan Syed Ali

KUALA LUMPUR, June 10 (Bernama) -- The thriving swiftlet farming industry
is set to help the nation realise the New Economic Model (NEM) goals, especially
in creating a high income society.

The bird nest export that fetches RM1.5 billion (US$454 million) in annual
revenue is a big contributer for the nation's economy, and it is one of the
trades that provide quick returns.

Moreover, the capital outlay is relatively small and the returns can be
realised within a short period.

Swiftlet farming involves an initial capital between RM10,000 and RM30,000
(US$ 3,030 and US$9,090) to set up a bird house on a 10 feet by 15 feet site,
minus the cost of purchasing or leasing the site.

If the investors think of joining the ranks of the big players in the
industry, than the initial investment can be anything between RM250,000 and
RM600,000 (US$75,757 and US$181,818).


LOAN FUND

In states like Melaka, Penang and Sarawak, shoplots have been modified
into 'bird house' to get a slice of this lucrative industry.

The bird's nest soup is highly nutrious and said to contain elements that
contribute to the "fountain of youth". It is also said to improve blood
circulation and in mainland China its consumption is linked with one's status in
the society.

It is also a delight savoured by the elites in the Arab world.

Realising of the bird nest industry's potential to the economy, the
Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry through Agrobank has set aside
RM67.7 million (US$20.5 million) to finance swiftlet farming.

Agrobank's Managing Director Ahmad Said noted that the move is in line
with the government's effort to boost up the people's annual income from
AS$7,000 to AS$15,000 as underscored by the NEM.


SEKING THE PARTICIPATION OF ALL RACES

Ahmad noted that the special fund will enable at least 2,000 potential
entrepreneurs to venture into small scale swiftlet farming costing between
RM10,000 and RM30,000 while enjoying an interest rate that is as low as 3.75
percent.

Industry observers note that the loan from Agrobank will allow entrepreneurs
from all races to participate in the trade that is currently being monopolied by
Chinese entrepreneurs.

Ahmad pointed out that the raw bird nest could fetch between RM3,000-RM4,000
per kg (US$909 and US$1,212) and the processed ones can go up to RM12,000
(US$3,636) and the high prices is helping the industry to thrive.

It is reported that at present there is about 50,000 swiftlet farms all over
the nation.

In enticing the poor to participate in the trade, the government also
launched a grant worth RM5 million (uS$1.5 million) to enable 500 poor familes
to undertake swiftlet farming.


1GP TAKEN TO THE MINISTRY LEVEL

Under the grant, selected families (those earning below RM450 (US$136)a
month will be provided a bird house worth RM10,000 that is to supplement the
family's income.

In a media report dated 11 Feb 2010, the Veterinary Services Director
General Dr Abdul Aziz Jamaluddin stated that the department would identify
the poor families to be enlisted in swiftlet farming.

However, the lucrative industry that started with the migration of the
swiftlets from Indonesia over the last 10 years is yet to settle the regulatory
issues.

The 1GP guideline for swiftlet farming set by the Veterinary Services
Department is yet to reach the Cabinet for approval.

The Agriculture and Agrobased Industries Minister Noh Omar had previously
stated that the 1GP that would serve as the standard for the industry had been
finalised by the ministry's officials and would be brought to the minister's
attention.


MAINTAIN THE PRODUCER'S STATUS

Apart from the Agriculture and Agrobased Industries Ministry, swiflet
farming also involves three other ministries - Health Ministry, Natural
Resources and Environment Ministry, and the Housing and Local Government
Ministry.

What is certain, like what the industry players hope, 1GP will be
implemented immediately to address issues relating to establishing bird houses
within city limits that contributes to odour, noise and risk of diseases.

Apart from maintaining the status as the leading producer of the bird's nest
in Southeast Asia, the fund and guideline will help propel Malaysia into the
forefront of the trade in less than 10 years time.

At present, the main market for the bird's nest is China, Hong Kong, Taiwan
and Singapore with Malaysia earning a reputation as the producer of good quality
bird nests after Indonesia and Thailand.
-- BERNAMA


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