Sago worms, an insect with a promising economic future, have emerged as a key alternative protein source to address future food shortages. With their ease of farming, rapid growth, and high protein content, farmers can raise sago worms efficiently to reduce costs and increase incomes. The consumption of sago worms is growing both in Thailand and abroad. However, current farming practices face challenges in waste management and environmental control, affecting product quality and causing environmental issues.
To address these challenges, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation (MHESI) has supported a project to develop comprehensive sago worm farming technology using semi-automated systems and advanced technology for effective waste management. This project focuses on increasing productivity, reducing unpleasant odors, and preventing the escape of sago worms, which are considered pests. Researchers have developed a suitable food formula for sago worms and created an environmental monitoring and control system to make farming more efficient and secure.
This progress not only boosts productivity but also elevates sago worm farming to an industrial level, providing Thai farmers with a stable income while positioning sago worms as a potential protein alternative in the future insect protein market.
For More Information: Knowledge Management, Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives
Link: https://pmuc.or.th/