Reassuring insect farming ensures waste minimization and future food security

Entomophagy and Entomotherapy practices adopted by various ethnic communities of the World embrace special significance in addressing the global food crisis issues. Insects are highly nutritious and have the potential to become future sustainable food due to high protein & fibre content, mineral, vitamins. Insects efficiently digest organic waste including food remnants, agricultural leftovers, and manure. This diverts refuse from landfills, thereby diminishing Greenhouse gas emissions and environmental contamination. This mini-review provided an overview of the causes (unsustainable harvesting, pesticide accumulation) and benefits (sources of high-value oils, reduced greenhouse gas emission) of insect farming. Insect farming fosters a circular economy model by converting waste into valuable resources, hence reducing waste and optimizing resource consumption. Establishing markets for insect-derived products requires a comprehensive strategy that considers customer perceptions, regulatory structures, and product innovation. Information about nutritional advantages, ecological sustainability, and ethical implications of insect-based products to consumers can offer solutions to various challenges in food security, environmental sustainability, and resource efficiency. This study also includes a survey to analyze consumer’s acceptability in Sarguja, Chhattisgarh, India for introducing insect farming as a better livelihood option in central India. The responses of the participants indicate continuous training programmes and nutrition educational interventions are required to promote insect farming practices.