Cockroaches turn into a Global Money-maker! Here’s How Much 1 Kg Can Fetch
Cockroaches turn into a Global Money-maker! Here’s How Much 1 Kg Can Fetch
Unlikely insect turns into a global money-maker, from food to pharmaceuticals
Cockroaches—commonly seen as filthy household pests—are now emerging as a surprising source of income in various parts of the world. With growing demand in food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and animal feed industries, these insects are being farmed on a massive scale and sold at astonishing prices, earning them the nickname “walking gold.”
What makes cockroaches so valuable is their resilience, high protein content and rapid breeding rate. These insects have survived for over 5 million years on Earth and are now being cultivated as an economical, sustainable protein source. Globally, more than 2,100 insect species are officially recognized as edible, and in many African and Asian cultures, insect consumption is already a tradition.
Cockroach-based protein is now being considered a solution to malnutrition. Experts suggest it could help feed nearly 20 percent of Africa’s undernourished population. In addition to human consumption, cockroach meal is being used to feed livestock such as pigs, goats, chickens and fish—meeting up to 14 percent of the protein needs for these animals in some African regions.
In Tanzania, farmer Daniel Rohura has turned cockroach breeding into a profitable business. One kilogram of cockroaches sells for about 5 euros (₹450–₹500), while cockroach oil extraction brings in additional income. Similarly, in China, cockroaches are not only consumed as a delicacy in select restaurants but are also used in skincare products, traditional medicines and pharmaceutical research.
A peer-reviewed study published in Frontiers in Physiology highlights the potential of cockroach-derived compounds for for antibacterial and regenerative medicine.
The world’s largest cockroach farming facility is located in Xichang, China, run by the company Gooddoctor. This AI-operated farm reportedly breeds nearly 6 billion cockroaches every year. These insects are used in powdered form, medicinal extracts, creams and even livestock feed.
According to market projections, the global cockroach farming industry—supplying food, feed and medical products—is expected to reach a value of around $8 billion (₹66,000 crore) by 2030.
So the next time a cockroach scuttles across the floor, it might be worth remembering—it’s not just a pest, but potentially a tiny creature worth its weight in gold.
