Insect Consumption: A Global Tradition with Environmental Benefits

Many people find the idea of consuming insects unappealing, but numerous societies worldwide, including India, have a long-standing tradition of eating insects. Approximately two billion individuals, which accounts for about a quarter of the global population, incorporate insects into their regular meals, as reported by the United Nations. These communities have attracted attention due to their potential impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Experts predict that insects will play a vital role in ensuring food security, especially as the global population is projected to reach 9 billion within the next 30 years. Recent studies have emphasized the importance of invertebrates, especially insects, in the diets of both humans and non-human primates, according to Prof. Gyaneshwar Chaubey, the head of the Department of Zoology at Banaras Hindu University (BHU).