onedef92
05-21-2013, 11:55am
Thailand urged to explore edible insect market
Posted: Tuesday, May 21, 2013, 7:20 AM
BANGKOK - 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.
Posted: Tuesday, May 21, 2013, 7:20 AM
BANGKOK - 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.