Entomophagy and commercially available insects among the Sumi Nagas in Dimapur district of Nagaland, Northeast India

Abstract

Given the myriad diversity of insect species in Nagaland; it has been a source of nutrition and livelihood for the Nagas. Entomophagy is a notable practice prevalent among the Sumi Nagas of Nagaland. The present study was undertaken with the aim of identifying, listing the edible insects which are consumed by the Sumi Nagas and are commercially available in Dimapur; with evaluation of their nutritional composition. Including but not limited to, eleven species of insects belonging to different order and family were identified. Variant mode of consumption-fried, roasted, smoked, steamed with local herbs, spices, chutney, were reported. The study underlines the potential of extensive research on edible insects and its nutritional value, and additionally, the need for documentation of traditional rearing and its sustainable use.