A state government in eastern Indian is encouraging people to
eat rats in an effort to battle soaring food prices and save grain
stocks.
Authorities in Bihar, one of India's poorest states, are asking
rich and poor alike to switch to eating rats in a bid to reduce the
dependence on rice.
They even plan to offer rats on restaurant menus.
"Eating of rats will serve twin purposes - it will save grains from
being eaten away by rats and will simultaneously increase our grain
stock," Vijay Prakash, an official from the state's welfare
department, said.
Officials say almost 50% of India's food grains stocks are eaten
away by rodents in fields or warehouses.
Jitan Ram Manjhi, Bihar's caste and tribe welfare minister, said
rat meat was a healthy alternative to expensive rice or grains, and
should be eaten by one and all.
"We are very serious to implement this project since the food
crisis is turning serious day by day," Manjhi, who has eaten rats,
said.
In Bihar, rat meat is already eaten by Mushars, a group of lower
caste Hindus, as well as poorer sections of society.
