EDIBLE INSECT RESOURCES AND THEIR USE AMONG THE DIMASA KACHARISOF DIMA HASAO DISTRICT, ASSAM

摘要

Entomophagy, the practice of eating insects and insect products as food is common among the Dimasa Kacharis of Dima Hasao district. The district constitutes a biodiversity rich area but largely remained unexplored particularly due to lack of road connectivity with remote villages. The present study documents the edible insect resources and their therapeutic uses among the Dimasa Kacharis. Group discussion and semi-structured interview methods resulted in documentation of 19 species belonging to 13 families, 16 genera and 6 orders out of which 11 species are known for their medicinal value. Edible insects are known to have high nutritive value while some are highly effective in therapeutic uses. The present study documents the Dimasa traditional knowledge system and their insect resources. This baseline information will be of use for researchers interested in undertaking ethnobiological research in Dima Hasao district.