Raw bird’s nest harvested from the swiftlet farm.
A building for swiftlet farming.
KUCHING: Viewed as ‘money in the sky’ business, swiftlet farming is defined as production of edible birds nests using specially designed building structures for swiftlets to roost and nest.
Kuching-based swiftlet farmer Wong Jor Jee will be sharing his experience in the business by conducting a swiftlet farming course this coming Saturday at Hotel 56 at Jalan Tun Jugah here.
“There are a total of 24 swiftlet species but only one species is widely domesticated in swiftlet farms as this species, namely Aerodramus Fuciphagus (white nest swiftlet) produces edible birds nests of high nutritional and commercial values.
“This species cling to nests built on the surface of nestling planks,” Wong said in a press statement yesterday.
According to him, this swiftlet species is abundantly found in Southeast Asian countries like Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand, and has been domesticated to increase the production of birds nest, which led to the swiftlet farming industry.
“The harvested birds nests are the raw materials for making birds nest soup, usually served in soup or jelly mixed with rock sugar. These nests
are deemed nourishing and tasty as well as a health booster to the sick and aging. Due to the high economic value of birds nest, swiftlets are being reared extensively in specially- designed building structure in swiftlet farms,” according to the press statement.
In the statement, Wong said swiftlet farmers merely provide a nesting environment for the swiftlets to stay and nest.
“This is done by producing high-pitched and sharp swiftlet chirps directed into the sky to attract the swiftlets to the farm. The audio equipment producing the sounds is played inside and outside the ‘swiftlet hotel’ using a timer control.
“The overall idea in the design of swiftlet farms is to simulate a cave environment, taking into consideration parameters such as temperature, humidity, light intensity, smell and building layout. All these involve technologies crucial for the creation of a conducive environment for swiftlets to stay and nest as well as protect them from predators such as owls and mice.”
Wong said Sarawak produces high quality birds nests that are mainly for export.
“Sarawak is blessed with unique geological environment and biological features ideal for swiftlet farming.”
Wong, who is also a swiftlet farming trainer, has been in the industry for more than 10 years, and has provided technical advice to rural people whose lands are situated within the swiftlets’ flying path.
He said swiftlet farming was getting more attention from the private and government sectors, and has been listed as a high impact agricultural sector in Sarawak.
“Maybe the state government can capitalise on the advantages of Sarawak in this industry by providing the necessary training, entrepreneur scheme and marketing network through e-commerce to rural communities in areas with high potential for swiftlet farming,” Wong suggested.
Those interested to participate in the course are advised to forward their names by SMS or WhatsApp to 0113-8318888.
For further information and clarification, visit rumahburungborneo.blogspot.my