Sustainable farming is the future and Kairos Agriculture is spearheading the movement towards large-scale, sustainable cultivation of top-grade vanilla for global as well as domestic trade. Listed as ‘Malaysia’s First and Largest Vanilla Smart Farm’ in the Malaysia Book of Records, Kairos is fast becoming the name to watch in the local agriculture and food supply industry.
Established in 2019, kick started, managed and operated by a passionate team of individuals, Kairos grows its vanilla on 6 acres of prime farmland in Permatang Pauh Agro-Park & Integrated Eco-Farm (PPAP) in Kubang Semang, Penang.
Its crop comprises two of the most sought-after species of vanilla orchids - Vanilla Planifolia and Vanilla Tahitensis. Both species yield premium, top-grade vanilla which is ideal for use in F&B, pharmaceuticals and cosmetic industries.
Known as one of the most difficult crops to grow, vanilla is highly sensitive to environmental factors and requires hand-pollination. To overcome these challenges, Kairos conducted research with its partners at Xiamen University Malaysia and Universiti Sains Malaysia. Today, the smart farm operates using a combination of traditional and modern techniques whereby Kairos Agriculture has a patent pending for its agri-tech i4.0 plant growing module. This innovative approach is estimated to garner higher and faster yields.
The farm has since witnessed its first bloom of vanilla flowers in January 2023, thus successfully shortening the first flowering period from the traditional time frame of 36-48 months to 30 months.
Best of all, the award-winning smart farm prides itself on being a sustainable and chemical-free farm. Equipped with a customised waterfall design rain-water harvesting system, vermicompost farm, vegetable patch and fruit orchard, the Kairos smart farm is built in such a way to protect the environment, aid and expand natural resources and to make the best use of non-renewable resources. The aquaponic rainwater harvesting pond is also home to over 2,000 Tilapia fishes who help to naturally filter debris and organic waste in the water supply – a natural ecosystem that not only serves practically, but adds beauty and serenity to the farm atmosphere.
Kairos is expecting its first harvest at the end of 2023. For now, the team is involved in the trading of premium vanilla pods and related products from Papua New Guinea & Malaysia.
Buy Vanilla By Kairos
Kairos currently sources its vanilla supply from Papua New Guinea in support of small-scale local farmers who are aligned with our sustainability goals and adhere to ESG guidelines. Other vanilla products sold include vanilla powder and more.
For enquiries to purchase vanilla pods or products, please contact +6017-577 0717.
Want to explore the Kairos smart farm? Book your tickets for the Kairos Vanilla Village Experiential Farm Tour NOW! Check available times slots at vanillavillage.my
This article is provided by Kairos Agriculture
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.
