On a beautiful day, Rahul's family
arrived in Bangkok for a long vacation. They were excited to visit the markets,
admire the temples, and explore the street food scene. While browsing the
street food stalls, they were surprised to find crickets, mealworm protein
shakes, bug fries, and silkworm pupae paste alongside traditional Thai dishes.
Curiously, 13-year-old Simran asked,
“Dad, do people really eat bugs here? Why?” Before her father could respond, a
voice interrupted with a friendly smile. It was Mr. Susheel Kumar, an
environmentalist, “You would be surprised at how common this is in many
countries like Africa and China. Insects are not only part of Thai culture but
are also considered a significant protein source globally.”
In fact, the global edible insect
market is projected to reach USD 4.63 billion by 2027, driven by applications
in both human food and animal feed. By 2050, the world population is expected
to exceed 9.5 billion, with India alone accounting for approximately 1.6
billion people. This rapido growth possess a significant challenge for food
supply, especially with traditional livestock farming, which demands excessive
resources and contributes heavily to greenhouse gas emissions. In contrast,
insects like crickets provide around 70% protein and require minimal resources.
Crickets, for instance, consumes 2,000 times less water than cattle for the
same amount of protein, can feed on organic waste, and benefit from fast growth
and reproduction.
Mrs. Rahul asked, “Could this work
in India?”
According to a 2013 report by the
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), farming insects for protein could play
a crucial role in addressing food security, particularly in regions where
conventional farming is challenging. Imagine adding cricket flour to chapatis
or dosas, boosting their protein content without altering the taste.
Edible insects present a promising
solution to the global food security challenge, offering high-quality protein,
essential nutrients, and a smaller environmental footprint compared to
traditional livestock. Their faster growth rates, lower resource requirements,
and reduced greenhouse gas emissions make them an sustainable alternative in
both low-and high-income countries. However, scaling insect farming requires
more research, regulatory frameworks, and improved consumer acceptance.
With the right investments and
increased awareness, edible insects could become a key player in creating a
more sustainable, nutritious, and secure food future.
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