Thailand Urged To Explore Edible Insect Market

Edible fired bamboo worms are displayed at
Krua Phech Doi Ngam Restaurant, in Chiang
Mai, Thailand, on Feb. 19, 2008.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP, Sakchai Lalit

BANGKOK (AP) -- Researchers say Thailand is showing the world how to respond to the global food crisis: by raising bugs for eating.

The United Nations' Food and Agricultural Organization released a study and handbook Tuesday on what they call 'six-legged livestock' -- edible bugs and worms that can help meet global food demand that is expected to grow 60 percent by 2050.

The agency says they provide a rich source of protein, vitamins and minerals. The study was conducted in Thailand, where insects including crickets, grasshoppers and bamboo worms have long been a part of diets, especially in rural areas.

Entomologist Yupa Hanboonsong says about 200 insect species are eaten in Thailand. Cricket farming alone is already a $30 million industry there, but only a few other species have been commercially marketed.

Courtesy: Online The Hour