Revisiting the Black Solder Farming

 

Black solder fly is the protein menu for animal feeds that are locally bred. The farmers find it cheaper to breed the flies to supplement animal feeds, instead of relying on sylver cyprinid, commonly known as omena. Omena is expensive because it has limited sources. After all, they are extracted from freshwater lakes with animal and human demands. Animal feeds require a balanced diet to boost their growth and protein is the main body-building component that will ensure the animals grow within the expected period. 

Animal feeds require 40 to 50 percent protein contents which increases protein demands. The scarcity of protein sources leads to an increase in animal feed prices. Stunted growth leads to losses because the farmer will be tempted to sell the animals at a throw-away price after rearing them longer than expected. Incorporation of relevant business practices is paramount in boosting farm produce, unlike the traditional methods where animal rearing is done as a form of security. 

Due to brainwashing associated with white-collar jobs, most graduates do not want to associate themselves with dirt. However, there is gold in interacting with nature, and getting dirty is part of the gold-making process. Black soldier farming is a thriving business that does not require acres of land, is less labor intensive, and is not time-consuming. Black soldier larvae are used for poultry, livestock, and fish feeds. This makes the insects valuable in boosting food production.  

The major practice for successful black soldier rearing is substrate preparation and management because the farmer has to ensure the larvae feed properly. The larvae burrow into the substrate to feed and turning the substrates at intervals to prevent larvae suffocation is vital. Insect breeding is essential in enlarging the colony. 

Substrate Preparation

The substrate preparation requires a mixture of animal manure and garbage. Organic wastes such as fruit peelings or vegetable leftovers are ideal for substrate preparation. The animal manure content ratio is 60 percent while the kitchen waste is 40 percent.

Black Solder Fly Market Prices

The flies have 45 days life cycle and are ready for harvesting at the fifth instar just before they acquire the black colour. The fifth instar is when the insects are rich in protein content. Sieving and sifting are the common harvesting methods. Proper management results in shorter turn-around times of twelve days before harvesting. The fried fly larvae are sold for up to 130 Kenyan shillings per kilogram.