Agro Park Glami Lemi Biotechnology Research Center is a development initiative of the Center in line with the Jelebu district development plan to become an ecotourism-based district. The development focuses on sectors such as agriculture, livestock and research, which include units in the Center such as livestock, agriculture and research units. At present, several projects are being implemented such as Barbados Black Belly sheep farming, mushroom cultivation, red tilapia fish farming, fish aquaculture and plant fertigation. The development of this Agropark also involves industry collaboration that enables various initiatives to be implemented more effectively
The aim of this program is to expose the community to science and the environment, as well as providing opportunities for the community to better understand the University of Malaya. It is a step towards approaching local alertness and providing expertise to those in need.
Split Gills Mushroom Commercialization
Split gill mushroom or its scientific name Schizophyllum commune, usually grows on tree trunks and grows wild. This mushroom likely grows after rain and therefore it can only be found at certain times. This mushroom exhibit high medical value and a sense of aromatics.
This project is headed by Prof. Dr. Noorlidah Abdullah from University of Malaya (UM) Institute of Biological Science (ISB), Faculty of Sience. Through the study, the mushrooms has been made available commercially and has open many opportunities for those whose interested in mushroom business in the country. Based on the study, this mushrooms contain schizophyllan, an ingredient that is responsible for anticancer drugs, especially cervical cancer. It also contains powerful antioxidants such as selenium, protocatechuic acid, ergotheionene and phenolic compounds that are needed to remove toxins in our body. Besides, the mushroomalso rich in protein, carbohydrates , magnesium and vitamin D.
Barbados Black Belly Modern Farming
Barbados Blackbelly sheep is purebred sheep that was originated from South America and exhibit physical features of goat,. The sheep is unlikely to grow wool like the wool sheep and only covered by coarse hair. The abdomen is black in color with brown or black in colour of the whole body hair.
One of the Barbados's specialty is its characteristic for tolerating heat and more active than other sheep species. In addition, this breed of sheep is capable of resisting diseases and parasites thus, this sheep is highly demand for cross breeding with other species. The female can be mated at any time during on heat/etrus with probability of pregnant almost 100% after mating. Furthermore, the ewes are more likely to deliver twin kids either double or triplets twin.
Due to its ability to reproduce at any time, PPBGL cryopreserve the male sperm in liquid nitrogen. Then, the sperm sample can be used for artificial insemination at desired time. Thus, the sheep with a good breed can be produced more. Currently, PPBGL also sold the sheep under the name Universiti Malaya Barbados Blackbelly (UMBB) across the country, which is also gaining large demand from farmers.
Aquaculture
The aquaculture activity initiative at PPBGL was held to increase the visibility and facilities of aquaculture -based research. In addition, it can also increase PPBGL's income by selling freshwater fish and fish fry. Aquaculture at PPBGL involves several facilities such as the use of fish cages in lakes and aquariums for fry.
PPBGL Mini Fruit Farm
With the intention of utilizing the vast agricultural land in PPBGL, PPBGL has conducted tests to identify suitable crops to be planted in PPBGL. This is because, although PPBGL has vast land but most of its land is former mine land which is not fertile for crops. By using fertigation techniques and compost fertilization, PPBGL tries to increase soil fertility and it looks encouraging.
Among the crops grown are banana trees of various types, durians of various types, coconuts, papayas, and more. PPBGL sells crops and fruits produced from this place to the area around Jelebu, Negeri Sembilan
Last Update: 21/04/2022