The trade of ant eggs between tribals is transforming into a profitable business in West Bengal's Jhargram District.
Sukumar Hansda, the state minister overseeing affairs in tribal dominant Paschimanchal region, feels, that commercialisation of the ant egg trade can benefit tribals greatly.
"If this thing can be commercialized, then it can bring good results, because they are used as fish bait and also as a food item. I also believe, that it can get really popular if people accept it as a form of food item, to be used in cuisines," he said.
The tribals in Jhargram have traditionally been involved in collecting ant eggs for food purposes and for bait to catch fish.
State authorities are now planning to expand the ant egg trade to ensure that tribals get a better deal and earn some profit.
Till nowe, ant eggs were collected randomly from wild nests in the jungles, but now, local authorities are planning to start professional ant breeding farms for purposes of trade.
