Sustainable freshwater snail farming: advancing nutrition security and rural livelihoods in Northeast India

Tribal woman harvesting freshwater snails.
Tribal woman harvesting freshwater snails.

Northeast India faces significant nutrition security challenges, particularly in rural and tribal areas, where high stunting and anemia rates persist despite high per capita caloric intake. Climate variability further exacerbates malnutrition by affecting agricultural productivity. This article explores sustainable freshwater snail farming as a viable solution to address these nutritional deficiencies while enhancing rural livelihoods.

Freshwater snails, such as Pila globosa, Bellamya bengalensis, and Brotia costula, offer high protein content (12.91–15.59%) and essential minerals, particularly calcium (up to 312.50 mg/100 g) and iron (4.0–6.8 mg/100 g). Their nutritional value surpasses many plant-based protein sources and compares well with traditional livestock products. The study outlines three practical snail farming systems—pond-based, paddy-cum-snail, and backyard cemented tanks—each suited to different farming conditions. Economic analysis reveals that a small-scale backyard system can generate up to 1,800 kg of snails annually, yielding a 272% return on investment within five months.

Beyond nutrition, snail farming offers additional benefits, including the use of snail shells as a calcium supplement for poultry, reducing costs for small-scale egg producers. Market development, value chain integration, and government support through NABARD and NAFDB subsidies can further promote snail farming as a sustainable livelihood option. With proper training, infrastructure, and market linkages, freshwater snail farming can play a useful role in improving food security, economic resilience, and rural development in Northeast India.

1742009830_sustainable-snail-farming.pdf

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Aquaculture Asia Magazine, January-March 2025

In this issue:

  • Promoting farmed shrimp consumption in India’s domestic market: A step towards sustainability
  • Leveraging indigenous minor carp for sustainable aquaculture in Northeast India
  • Shaping the future of Indian aquaculture: A path to captive catfish seed success
  • Sustainable freshwater snail farming: Advancing nutrition security and rural livelihoods in Northeast India
  • Promotion and protection of small fish species through farming: An initiative in Tripura
  • NACA Newsletter