Crickets provide temporary source of livelihood in Arakan

By Admin 29 Oct 2024

DMG Newsroom
29 October 2024, Kyauktaw

Crickets have offered a bit of breathing space for some of the most destitute families in war-wracked Arakan State.

A seasonal favourite, fried crickets are a popular snack option in Arakan State, with the insects providing impoverished locals a temporary source of livelihood.

"Many people eat it as it is only available once a year. Nearly 2,000 pieces of crickets sell a day. So, the demand is not bad," said cricket vendor Daw Ma Than Htay.

Previously, 100 crickets sold for over 10,000 kyats, but this year, the price has increased to between 20,000 and 25,000 kyats.

The early cold season marks the start of the cricket hunting season as they come out after the monsoon rains taper off.

"We search for crickets near forests early in the morning. The catch is low as it is just the early cold season. They live in various places," said a cricket hunter in Kyauktaw Township.

Due to soaring food prices, scarcity of jobs and high inflation, many locals in Arakan State have been forced to sell seasonal foods for a living.

One social activist from Arakan State said: "Today, it is hard for a large family to eat three meals a day. People can survive on a daily basis if they have seasonal food in their areas. But things will be really difficult for those who live in areas that have no seasonal foods or jobs."

The regime has blockaded roads and waterways in Arakan State since its conflict with the Arakkha Army (AA) flared anew in November of last year, inflicting significant livelihood hardship on locals.