EDIBLE INSECTS OF MISHING COMMUNITY AND THEIR MEDICINAL VALUE IN BEBEJIA, DHAKUAKHANA, ASSAM

Abstract

North East India is one of the world's biggest biodiversity hotspots, with lush forests and favourable climatic conditions that support a diverse flora and fauna, including several types of edible insects. Edible insects are an essential food source in many impoverished nations. They are rich in proteins, lipids, carbs, minerals, and vitamins.
Geographically, Bebejia is located in latitude 27°25'N and longitude 94°12'E. The Lakhimpur district had 197886 Mishing residents, according to the 2011 census. The second-largest Mishing population in Assam is found in the Lakhimpur district. The Mishing community in Bebejia mostly engages in farming, fishing, dairying, ceramics, silkworm culture, and a few other significant economic activities. The 12 insects that the Mishing people of Bebejia eat are revealed in this research. The insects are gathered utilizing several conventional techniques and equipment. Insects are also used as medicine by the Mishing population in Bebejia, which is quite beneficial.