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.