When this story first dropped into my email box, I really doubted its authenticity. I thought it was one of those hoax stories that sometimes gather credibility as they are passed around the internet. However, further research proved me wrong. The story, disgusting as it is, is true.

The State Government in the State of Bihar, in Eastern India has advised people to start saving on grain by changing their diet. They actually suggest that people start eating rats to cut down on the demand for grain.

'Eating rats will increase our grain stocks', Vijay Prakash, a Government official from the Bihar state welfare department, told Reuters. He added that rat meat is very high in protein and tastes better than chicken.

This part of India is the poorest in the country and the Government is trying to cut down dependence on rice which has risen to over $500 per tonne. That's 50c a kilo which is a huge amount to the poorest of these people who normally earn just ten or twelve cents per day.

There are plans to put 'rat' on restaurant menus to make it more acceptable and the Government also says that eating rats will cut down their numbers and save the grain that they eat each year. It is estimated that rats consume more than 50% of India's grain supply in fields and warehouses.

According to Government officials 'rat meat' is already becoming popular and has already exceeded chicken in popularity.

Jitam Ram Manjhi who is Bihar's caste and tribe welfare minister claimed that rat meat is a healthy alternative food and should be eaten by rich and poor alike. Rat meat is already eaten by some lower class Indians in Bihar, but the minister, who claims to have eaten rats himself, says that everyone should do it.

It has even been suggested that rat farms are set up to supply hotels and restaurants.

The idea appears to be catching on in Bihar, but I cannot imagine a suggestion like this being accepted in the west. Imagine the outrage if the governments of US, or UK told us all to start eating rats in order to save grain. There would be complete uproar.

Would you try MacDonald's 'Ratburgers' or 'Kentucky Fried Rat'? I most certainly wouldn't. In fact I think I'd stay right away from any food outlet that had rat on the menu.