Locusts become popular night-time snack

A foreigner tries a fried locust dish at a local food stall in China. [Photo: VCG]

Some people in China are using a non-traditional way to fight locusts that have plagued the country's agriculture for thousands of years – eating them for food or breeding them for money. 

Locusts are low in fat and high in protein. Fried or grilled locusts have become a popular night-time snack at local food stalls and restaurants. 

The insects are in such high demand that they have created business opportunities for breeders. 

Breeding them costs very little, requires no special attention and is quick in returning profits. 

Breeders can make as much as 50,000 yuan in net profits per year on one mu (667 square meters) of land.

Still, authorities in the southern province of Guangdong are demanding the close monitoring of locust farms amid concerns the insects could get loose and harm local crops. 

A United Nations report says locusts are one of the world's most eaten insects. 

Apart from China, other countries in Asia, as well as Africa and Latin America also eat and breed locusts.