Situated in a five-acre plot within the agriculturally diverse Kampung Sri Parit , Lukut in Negeri Sembilan , lies Sky Ladder Pineapple Farm , an agrotourism venture initiated by TEFSB .

Cattle farming , prawn and fish rearing , commercial chicken farming , and various fruit plantations surround the farm ’ s pineapple plantation .

Trans Eco Farm Sdn Bhd CEO Dato Lee Mok Foong said TEFSB ’ s vision transcended mere agricultural pursuits , evolving into a mission to educate and inspire through sustainable practices and agrotourism to the general public .

“ Before this , when visitors came to our farm , all they did was take selfies at our famous colourful ladder . We want to change that narrative and show there is more than meets the eye ,” he said .

SOWING SEEDS OF KNOWLEDGE

Calling it their ‘ knowledge-based ’ agrotourism approach , TEFSB wants its visitors to engage in educational activities .

Lee proudly shared that the farm showcases the diverse aspects of the bromeliad family , of which pineapples are a part .

“ Do you know pineapples are one of 3,500 species of the bromeliads family ? Only two species have fruits , and one of them is pineapples . In Malaysia , we have about 16 subspecies registered , and sometimes people get shocked when they discover that there is more to pineapple than its thorny body .”

Some of the other activities included for tourists are ATV rides throughout the plantation , pineapple picking , a homestay , extracting pineapple fibres , making products such as cookies , fresh juice , dehydrated pineapple , jams , ice-cream tuak ( traditional rice wine , indigenous to the native state of Borneo ) nenas , and experiencing the entire pineapple lifecycle .

This hands-on approach aims to provide a holistic understanding of pineapples , ensuring a memorable and authentic rural experience for tourists .

Moreover , TEFSB takes sustainability to the next level by utilising every part of the pineapple plant . After extracting the fruit for various culinary delights , the farm repurposes the skin to produce enzymes .

Visitors are not merely spectators but active participants in this process , getting hands-on experience in transforming pineapple skins into valuable enzymes . Beyond the fruit , the farm demonstrates the extraction of fibres from pineapple leaves , a process that highlights the versatility of this tropical plant .

Lee believes that this hands-on experience educates visitors about the potential of pineapple plants and fosters a deeper appreciation for sustainable living .

“ Through these interactive processes , TEFSB empowers visitors to make informed choices about consumption and encourages them to explore innovative solutions for environmental sustainability .”

THE GREENHOUSE EXPERIENCE

In a recent development yet to be unveiled to the public , TEFSB has expanded its facilities by acquiring a quarter-acre greenhouse .

The farm showcases various research projects in this innovative space , culminating in practical applications . One notable success story is the project on black soldier flies .

Lee explained : “ Visitors to the green-

house have the opportunity to interact with black soldier flies and witness first hand their role in sustainable agriculture .

“ One aspect of this experience involves feeding the black soldier flies , allowing visitors to understand their dietary habits and ecological significance .

“ They get to explore the life cycle of black soldier flies , from larvae to adults . Plus , this immersive experience allows visitors to appreciate the role of black soldier flies in waste management and nutrient cycling .”

As part of the experience , visitors also have the option to sample dried larvae titbits , showcasing the versatility of this insect as a sustainable food source . The two flavours they come in are mala and tom yam .

While initially intended for pet food , dried black soldier fly larvae have emerged as a nutritious and environmentally friendly option for human consumption . By offering visitors the chance to taste dried larvae , the farm promotes awareness of alternative protein sources and encourages sustainable dietary choices .

EDUCATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS According to Lee , collaborating with

“ Our goals may seem small , but they have one purpose : to be a leading knowledgebased pineapple agrotourism destination in Southeast Asia and later the world ,”

– Dato Lee

universities in Japan fosters cultural exchange and preservation by bringing international students to experience and share agricultural practices .

Lee hopes that when the students from Japan come to the farm for their educational trip , they can experience local culinary practices and customs in agriculture and witness how forward TEFSB is in agriculture practices .

PPE AND NEW VENTURES

Lee is excited about the Pakar Pertanian Expo ( PPE ) 2024 as it represents an opportunity to showcase their vision and innovation to a broader audience .

The event serves as a platform to showcase innovations , discuss future goals , and contribute to the discourse on modernising and diversifying the agriculture sector .

“ At the expo , we plan to unveil a new product – biodegradable pineapple fibre shirts .

“ Resembling a barong ( traditional Filipino men ’ s attire ), the biodegradable shirt is a thin , modern garment made combining pineapple fibre with cotton to make it more machine-washable and fit for daily use .”

“ Our goals may seem small , but they have one purpose : to be a leading knowledge-based pineapple agrotourism destination in Southeast Asia and later the world ,” Lee concludes with hopefulness .

SETTING THE FUTURE

TEFSB ’ s journey from humble pineapple farming to a beacon of sustainable agrotourism exemplifies the transformative power of vision and innovation .

By nurturing knowledge , community , and environmental stewardship , they have carved a niche in agritourism while paving the way for a more sustainable future .

As they embark on their next chapter at PPE 2024 , TEFSB stands poised to inspire and lead the agricultural sector towards a brighter , more sustainable tomorrow . - @ AGROBiz