How Profitable Is Snail Farming?

Snails are common in Nigeria as it is home to different species of snails. Snails are primarily active during the night to prevent the high temperature of the day and preserve their moisture. This makes them comfortable in moist and cool environments.

Snails, therefore, are typically found in the Southern parts of the country such as Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta, Cross River, Akwa-Ibom, etc. which has a humid and tropical climate.

However, snail farming has made it possible to rear and breed snails in different parts of the country even where they ordinarily are not dominant.

Also known as Heliculture, snail farming is the process of breeding or raising snails for human consumption and industrial use.

The Snail Farmers Association of Nigeria (SFAN) defines snail farming as the rearing of snails for commercial or subsistence purposes which involves the artificial rearing of snails in a controlled environment, with the aim of producing high-quality snails for food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries.

In Nigeria, there are three commonly reared snails; Achatina Achatina (Giant Ghana Snail or Giant tiger snail), Achatina Fulica (East African Land Snail), and Archachatina Marginata (Giant West African snail). These species of snails are one of the best species in the world and the biggest species in Africa.

Why Snail Farming?

Snail farming is really a profitable type of farming irrespective of the scale or size you may have in mind. Snail farming for one has a viable Market. Snails have a wide variety of uses ranging from health, consumption, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals to manufacturing.

As a result of its nutritional composition, snails are highly in demand. It is a good source of protein, iron, phosphorus and calcium. Snails are low in sodium, fat, and cholesterol. Snails also contain vitamins such as vitamin A, B6, and B12.

It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and also boast the immune system. Its unique taste is also irreplaceable in different cuisines and dishes as such its meat is in high demand.

Snails are quite useful for industrial purposes. Its shells are used as fillers to improve paper capacity in the paper industries. The calcium content in the snail shell is also quite useful as complements in livestock feeds.

These shells are also used for the production of face powder in cosmetics. In addition, the slime of a snail is highly sort after for cosmetics and for drug production for its ability to treat high blood pressure.

Snail farming, therefore, has become a lucrative venture as it has a viable market both locally and internationally as a snail farmer with a large snail farmer can export snails and its products for profit.

Factors That Will Determine The Profitability Of Snail Farming

Certain factors will determine the amount of profit a snail farmer would generate from snail farming. Factors such as the size and capacity of the farm will the determine scale of production, the cost of production and the market demand play a crucial role in the level of profit a snail farmer will make.

Size And Capacity Of The Farm/Scale Of Production

The size of the farm will determine the capital required to start up a snail farm. Snail farming by its nature is not capital intensive compared to other livestock farming as one could venture into this farming with N50,000 or less.

One beautiful thing about snail farming is that irrespective of the size of the farm, a farmer can yield far more than what was invested into the business in 6 to 7 months. In addition, the size of the farm will determine the scale of production of snail farming as well as the profit it generates.

Cost Of Production

Snail farming is one form of farming with little cost of production that is, it requires a little cost to keep it running.

Feeding

The feed for snails is generally found in nature as they feed on leafy vegetables, fruits, tubers, and grains, most of which are accessible in the local market. Household waste (from the kitchen) can also serve as feed for snails. Much cost, therefore, is not spent on feeding.

To ensure better-sized and healthy snails, commercial snail feed should be given alongside the feeds from the natural environment. In addition, the snails are fed once daily as a result of their nocturnal nature.

Housing

The housing system to cater to snails must not be grand. What is important is that such a housing system must be cool and moist in a comfortable environment.

The snail pen must be structured in such a protective way as to protect them from external forces that can harm them such as pests, predators, and bad weather conditions. This housing system must also be able to restrict their movement to prevent them from going missing.

Hygiene and Management

Hygiene is required to achieve healthy snails and prevent deaths. This, however, is not expensive compared to other livestock farming. Also, it does not require a large labour force as much time and effort is not required to get a well-kept and functioning snail farm.

Market Demand

Snails have a high selling output because of their nutritional component. Snails get to market weight between 4-7 months. However, snails can be sold at any stage of growth. Its eggs can also be sold to make a profit for other farmers in the business. This creates a viable and profitable market for snail farmers locally.

Irrespective of its low startup capital, the value price for snails is relatively high, especially during the dry seasons. Since snails love the humid and cool atmosphere, they hibernate during the dry season as such available snails are sorted after.

A table-size snail falls within the price range of 500 to 600 in Nigeria, while a large snail can go for 1000 to 1500. In addition, the viable market for snails has opened up the doors of exportation as such a profitable venture can be created via the exportation of snails to other countries.

Snail farming is sure to be a lucrative business you can venture into.

How Profitable Is Snail Farming?