Insects are the largest animal group on Earth, with an estimated population of 10 quintillion. They make up more than 70% of all animal species. While insects have traditionally been sources of food for various organisms, they remain an untapped resource in India. With the pressing issues of food security, poverty, overpopulation, and climate change, insects offer a sustainable solution. In India 255 species of insects are consumed in various parts of India. They are rich in proteins, essential fats, vitamins (such as B12), and minerals (such as iron). Insects are also healthier than conventional animal products due to their lower tendency to develop cardiovascular diseases. Economically, insect rearing can provide income for the rural poor, generate employment, and promote sustainable farming. Entomophagy is the practice of ingesting insect, and it has been inculcated in various cultures around the world and in different parts of India. But to expand it we need extensive strategies that can create awareness, focuses on insect-based product development and create proper guidelines for insect-based diet. In a world where food scarcity and malnutrition are increasing, insects can be a simple, sustainable, and nutritious answer to food security challenges. This chapter explores the nutritional, environmental, and economic potential of insects in India, examining their role in human diets, animal feed, and agriculture, while also addressing the barriers to their adoption.

Keywords: Insect farming, insect-based nutrition, malnutrition, nutrition security, protein-rich diet, sustainable nutrition.