Basic Knowledge in Agriculture #54

What is Heliculture

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Snail farming or Heliculture is the art of keeping and rearing snails either as a commercial activity or as a domestic animal. It entails the development of a regulated environment in which snails are able to develop, procreate and flourish. The snail meat is highly demanded and therefore the practice is gaining popularity because of the rich content of snail meat which is rich in protein and iron among other nutrients. Heliculture can also be used in the production of slime of snails, which finds its application in cosmetics and medicine.

The agricultural environment should also have good soil, water, shadow, and plants because snails like cool and humid environment. It is an environmentally friendly and profitable agricultural business venture that has low start-up cost and low space demand. One of the agribusinesses that farmers have employed to meet their farming needs is the use of species such as Achatina achatina and Achatina fulica which reproduce rapidly and in large populations thus becoming a useful agribusiness.

What are the requirements for snail .

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Snail farming needs appropriate environment, proper housing and appropriate management. The snails may require a cool, damp and shady place since they cannot withstand dry or hot environment. The soil must be loose and of good organic matter being a rich soil since the snails bury themselves to lay eggs. They require a secure pen or an enclosure to keep them safe against predators and escape in case they do.

Watering or the use of wet leaf should be used to ensure constant moisture. Snails consume vegetable, fruit and leaf food e.g. pawpaw, cabbage and cocoyam. The clean water should be provided to drink and to make their bodies wet. This is achieved by maintaining proper hygiene and making sure their growth and reproduction are kept in check.

FarmingChallenges encountered in snail Farming.

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Snail rearing experiences a number of threats that may influence productivity and profitability. Unfavorable weather conditions including excessive heat or dryness that lead to dehydration and death are one of the major challenges. Snails are also subject to serious threats of predators like the ants, rats, birds, and frogs. Snails and snail eggs will not grow well in poor soil or dry soil. Snails may be attacked by diseases and parasites and will grow slowly or die. Poor management habits are another problem that is caused by lack of knowledge and training among farmers.

Delays in returns may also be caused by slow rates of growth and low reproduction in unfavourable seasons. Moreover, the issue of marketing and storage, inadequate access to finance and quality breeding stock, among others, complicates snail farming to many beginners.

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