Goal-oriented insect farming and processing can alleviate the dilemma faced by the industrialization of insect resources

Abstract

Insects are the most widely distributed and most abundant biological resources on earth, and are as precious biological resources as plants and microorganisms. With the increasing population pressure and the serious shortage of food resources, insects as an ideal food substitute have been paid gradually attention by scientists. In addition to being used as food and feed, the application value of insects in waste treatment, medicine and other aspects (such as ornamental and pollination) has also been widely recognized around the world. However, industrialization of insect resources still faces many challenges in terms of acceptability, safety, nutrition and productivity. We argue that insect mass production should be purpose-oriented and targeted cultivation. For example, insects used for food and feeding should be safe, tasty and nutritious. Insects used for waste disposal should maximize their survival rate and their conversion rate of the waste. For insects with medicinal significance, it is necessary to clarify their medicinal active ingredients and related pharmacological mechanism, and to cultivate insect strains with high content of active ingredients by proper induction. A goal-driven development strategy will help to avoid the risk of insect industry technically and managerially.