�AGROBiz � �AR��-A�R�� . 2024

BY ADELINE ANTHONY ALPHONSO

At the recent Pakar Pertanian Expo 2024 , @ AGROBiz had the privilege of speaking with Founder and Co-CEO Nick Piggott about their ground-breaking initiatives .

Piggott and Tom Berry began their journey in 2015 in Vietnam . Since then , Nutrition Technologies has experienced remarkable growth by developing insectbased products through a zero-waste production model , catering to sectors like livestock , pet food , and aquatic feed .

After facing challenges in Vietnam , they found a perfect fit in Johor Bahru , Malaysia , in 2018 , thanks to the tropical climate ideal for breeding black soldier fly larvae ( BSFL ), which are indigenous to Malaysia and a key ingredient in their sustainable production process .

“ Southeast Asia ’ s penchant for prioritising education and food spending , especially among the affluent , prompted Nutrition Technologies to seek a strategic location for commercialisation ,” Piggott said .

A robust circular economy approach is at the heart of Nutrition Technologies ’ operations . The business establishes a closed-loop system by upcycling these waste materials , which reduces the need for garbage disposal while simultaneously producing sustainable , nutrient-rich products made from insects .

By leveraging insect bioconversion technology , the company actively contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions , conserving natural resources , and mitigating the environmental strain caused by conventional waste management practices .

This environmental stewardship aligns seamlessly with global sustainability goals , making Nutrition Technologies a pivotal player in transitioning towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly future .

INTRODUCING DIPTIA AND VITALIS

While the evolution of BSFL has become a cornerstone for Nutrition Technologies , their insect-based products , fed with plant-based ingredients , result in nutrient-rich manure , known as frass . This frass is then transformed into Diptia , a bioactive organic fertiliser with added biological control agents and chitin designed by them to combat fungal plant diseases and protect soil from infections .

Accompanying Diptia is another product , Vitalis , a liquid fertiliser designed to fortify plant health and prevent fungal infections .

Piggott mentioned : “ Unlike conventional fertilisers , Nutrition Technologies products offer a more holistic approach , harnessing the power of natural cycles and beneficial soil microbes .

“ In Malaysia , where diseases like Ganoderma Butt Rot and Fusarium Wilt pose threats to crops , Nutrition Technologies ’ products offer a revolutionary solution .

“ Diptia and Vitalis provide a protective barrier around the soil , preventing fungal diseases from attacking crops .

“ The financial benefits are substantial , potentially saving millions annually for farmers while ensuring crop longevity .”

Beyond their primary focus on

Nutrition Technologies ’ aim for secure food security comes with insect-based solutions

protein-rich insect meal for animal feed , Nutrition Technologies excels in extracting a wide array of value-added products from the insect biomass . This includes extracting oils , fats , and other valuable components with immense potential across various industries .

These value-added products diversify the company ’ s product portfolio and underscore its commitment to maximising resource utilisation and sustainability across the value chain .

FORGING BONDS FOR THE FUTURE

When asked what he thought of events such as PPE , Piggott had only one thing to say : “ We enjoy people coming up to us and starting a conversation about fertilisers because we can ’ t just pick up the phone and say , ‘ hey , you want to buy some fertiliser ?’.

“ It is also a little hard for people to get into our place , so finding customers is often challenging . That is why we are

Black soldier fly larvae .

Nick Piggott , Founder and Co-CEO grateful for events / expos like these , as we can showcase our specialities to people .”

In the tapestry of sustainability , Nutrition Technologies weaves a vibrant thread of creativity , ingenuity , and passion . Their story is not just about insects and waste ; it ’ s about resilience , adaptation , and the enduring spirit of collaboration between humans and nature .

They serve as a beacon of sustainability and innovation , transforming agriculture , one insect at a time .

– @ AGROBiz