Dealing in the breeding of snails for commercial sale is one of the several business options that animal husbandry offers. Snails are among the available meat sources in the market. In Nigeria, snails commonly thrive in bushes or regions with abundant rainfall. Despite the high demand for snails, the snail farming business isn\’t widely practiced. Finding them in regular markets can be challenging unless you visit larger markets catering to various agricultural products. The demand for the product makes it a viable business option. Additionally, the low setup cost adds to its attractiveness as a business opportunity.
Most agricultural businesses always need huge amounts of money to start the business and it therefore becomes an issue to set up. With the snail farming business, it is a little bit different. By contrast, the cost of starting up a snail rearing business is way cheaper as opposed to the several other options available. You don’t really need to have a high amount of capital to start. The business is one of the neglected or less practiced agricultural ventures based on the shortage of suppliers in the country and the increasing demand by the day. It actually generates a high amount of revenue globally especially in countries like the United Kingdom and Australia. The business is one that promises to bring huge profits not only because of high demand but also because it provides an alternative to the other things in the market.
Snail meat is rich in iron, protein, calcium and phosphorus and low in cholesterol, sodium and fat. It is high in quality and also quite delicious with its unique taste. It can be served to any meal and is highly nutritious to the body. Snails comes in different sizes and it is with that reason that they come in different prices. People sell them at reasonable and affordable prices. The snail farming business actually deals with the rearing, feeding, management and harvesting of the snails for commercial sale. Snails undergo a specific maturation period before harvest and sale in markets.
Restaurants, clubs, and hotels widely serve and recognize snail meats. Nigerian households often prepare the product as a refreshing option or an alternative protein source to meat, fish, or other proteins.
Starting a snail farming business is affordable and relatively easy to set up. Entrepreneurs can manage it individually or consider employing labor for larger-scale operations.
As always, capital is key and is very important to the start and progress of any business whatsoever. The capital helps to kick start the production process. The capital covers all financial aspects throughout the course of the business. As a low cost business, individuals might not need to source for large amounts of money.
Depending on the proposed capacity or size of the business, one can start a snail farm with a small amount of money covering the equipment costs and other necessary operational expenses.
Factors to Consider When Starting a Snail Farming Business
In the following sections, I\’ll discuss the procedures for starting a snail farm business and essential factors to consider at each step or throughout the business.
1. Comprehensive and Detailed Research on the Business
Before venturing into any business, it is the job of the entrepreneur to do a concrete research or study on the business. This enables entrepreneurs to understand the requirements for starting the business. The research encompasses various aspects including basics of the business, different snail species, preferred locations, equipment costs, estimated profits, and strategies for marketing and selling the snails to reach consumers.
The research helps with also studying the market for the product and to access the different options to getting the product to the market. Visit markets and interact with sellers to gain insights into the snail trade, understanding the involved aspects and potential issues in starting the business. Although finding a snail farm might be challenging due to limited suppliers, if you come across one, study its location, operations, and processes. Use this knowledge to devise strategies for your own business progression.
2. Select a Species
If you’re not aware, there are quite a number of snail species available in the market. They all have suitable conditions that help them properly grow and become mature. Some of the popular ones include Achatina Fulica, Achatina Achatina and Archachatina Marginata. The first two species lay over 100 eggs at different times annually, while the third species, Archachatina Marginata, yields more than 10 eggs yearly.
Each species has unique benefits and yield rates. However, the most commonly reared and optimal for breeding is the Achatina Achatina, known as the Giant Ghana Snail or the Giant Tiger Land Snail. It is preferred due to its suitability in warm climates like Nigeria.
Whichever one you select of the different species, you’re still sure to get your profit but it is always advisable to always select the one that is capable of adapting to the conditions in your location.
3. Get a Location
Now, as you have selected the species, it\’s time to secure a location where you can raise them until they mature enough for harvest. The type of land required for snail farming is intricate due to specific conditions essential for proper snail growth. The land for snail farming must not be one with a clay soil. Clay soil gets waterlogged during the rainy season and also compacts later on in the dry season. Also, there should be no wind interference in the place where the snails will be located.
After securing a location, it\’s time to construct a suitable habitat for the snails. Ensure the snail house avoids overcrowding, enabling the snails to achieve full growth by adequately spacing them in different sections to prevent hindrances in their development. Also, it should be escape proof. Install a barrier that will not allow the snails have a chance of escaping.
4. Get the Equipment
At this stage, the snails must have been gotten from a supplier. Then it’s time to get the necessary equipment for the business. Also, it is at this point that the snails feeds are bought. Buy the ones with high quality and will be highly nutritious to the snails. You can also make vaccines available on the snail farm for their treatment in case of any issues or infections.
5. Harvest and Sale of Snails
After snails complete their normal maturity process, they become ready for harvesting and subsequent sale. Explore markets and locations where snails are sold to introduce your business. Additionally, explore popular snail hubs or spots where they commonly serve these gastropods. Market your product effectively and offer it at affordable prices. After a careful study of the market, you must have come across different pricing strategies in the business. Develop yourself and also give discounts if you can. It will help in securing customers.
With all these factors in place, one can initiate snail farming. It\’s only a matter of time before the business booms, bringing in substantial profits. In a business like this, success is highly probable due to its high demand. It proves to be among the many profitable ventures in the country today.
