The farming story of locust farmer Zeng Biao

    Zeng Biao of Zhongxin Village, Jinhua Town, Fenggang County, introduced 50,000 Oriental migratory locust (Locusta migratoria manilensis) eggs from the Guijun Farm in Hebei and built 4 locust farming greenhouses, embarking on a path to prosperity through specialty farming. At present, his locusts are about to enter the mating and egg-laying period. 

    In April this year, 25-year-old Zeng Biao returned from Zunyi to his rural hometown to start his own business venture. Having come into contact with locust farming while working in Zunyi, he set his sights on this farming industry, which was still a blank in Fenggang County. After returning home, he used the idle wasteland outside his yard to build 4 farming greenhouses, each 15 sq m, and one greenhouse can raise more than 10,000 locusts. 

    The farmed locusts are all for eating. There is a very famous dish called "Feihuang Tengda" (Soaring Locusts), which is deep-fried locusts. It is said that one jin of live locusts can make three plates of this dish, and in downtown Zunyi, one plate of "Feihuang Tengda" already sells for 80 yuan. 

    According to reports, the Oriental migratory locust has tender, soft meat and is rich in nutrients. Expert analysis and testing show that its protein content is as high as 74.88%, fat content 5.25%, carbohydrate content 4.77%, and it contains 18 kinds of amino acids and various active substances. One crop of Oriental migratory locust takes only 60 days from hatching to market. During this period, only grass feed is needed, with no epidemic prevention and no pesticide spraying, so the cost is low, and one jin of live locusts can sell for 10 yuan. 

    Zeng Biao said that after the introduced locust eggs are successfully bred, the locusts can reproduce on their own, so there is no need to invest in buying eggs again. Pointing to the nearby field full of corn seedlings, he said the corn planted here is feed for the locusts. As long as the seeds are sown, no pesticide is needed, which saves labor and is not troublesome. 

    Zeng Biao's specialty farming project has drawn the attention of town leaders. He also wants to vigorously develop Oriental migratory locust eggs and lead the surrounding people to open up a path to wealth together.