Naga women selling insects at a local market in Nagaland. (Photo by Caisii Mao)
UN report urges people to eat more insects
Imlisanen Jamir
Dimapur | June 9
Certain dietary practices of the Nagas could be contributing in efforts to fight against hunger, boost nutritional intake and reduce pollution. Nagas are included in a two billion strong community that supplement their diet through insects. People from different cultural and dietary orientations may express disgust; however, a recent report by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization encourages people to eat more insects.
The two hundred page UN report says that insects are an underutilized food resource; whether it is for humans, pets or livestock. It states that the creepy-crawlies provide higher quality protein and nutrients than meat or fish and are “particularly important as a food supplement for undernourished children.” The report also adds that insect farming is “one of the many ways to address food and feed security.”
In Nagaland, they can be bought from local markets all over the state. The insects are collected from forests and paddy fields. Families venture out during the harvest season with torch lights to collect grasshoppers. They are then roasted in a pan or deep fried. Bees are also a delicacy for many Nagas, with the larvae and the adult bees sold at very high prices in local markets. Besides these, specific species of Cicadas, Stink Bugs, Silkworms, Crickets, Dragonflies, Tawny Mole Crickets and red ants are just a few of the bugs that Nagas relish.
However, the UN report does not advocate eating insects in a “Man vs. Wild” manner. It states that various delicious recipes are available from places that have consumed insects for a long time. Nagas mostly prefer to either pan roast or deep fry the critters. Many Nagas vouch that they are delicious. Methna from Dimapur says, “There’s nothing tastier than having some deep fried grasshopper.” Another resident from Kohima exclaims, “Silkworms and bee larvae can be prepared in many scrumptious ways.” On being informed of the UN report, he says that “the initial disgust shown by other people would disappear after they find out how tasty insects are.”
The UN report states that insects are also very efficient in converting feed into edible meat. The report explains that they can convert 2 kilograms of feed into 1 kilogram of insect mass. In comparison, cattle require 8 kilograms of feed to produce a kilo of meat. Hence, insect farming produces more output and requires fewer resources when compared to cattle or poultry farming. This, the report indicates could be a key factor in addressing the food shortage problem that will eventually confront the world.
Various reports indicate that by 2050, the earth will hold approximately 9 billion people, thereby putting tremendous strain on the food supply. Insects, which reproduce faster and provide large quantities of nutrients, have the potential to act as an abundant food source to nourish the human population. Nagas are a step ahead of the curb and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization urges the rest of the world follow in our steps.
