EDIBLE INSECTS OF ASSAM: A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY OF ENTOMOPHAGY PRACTICES AMONG INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES

Abstract: Insects are a diverse and sustainable source of nutrition, widely consumed across various cultures worldwide. The environmental sustainability and potential food security benefits of entomophagy make it a viable alternative protein source, particularly for rural and indigenous populations. Entomophagy has been an integral part of the traditional diets and cultural heritage of various ethnic communities in Assam, India. More than 342 species of edible insects are listed across India and of which 93 different species are consumed in Assam. This review explores the diversity, cultural relevance, and nutritional benefits of edible insects across multiple tribes within Assam, including the Bodo, Mishing, and Rabha communities.