HOW TO START A PROFITABLE SNAIL FARMING BUSINESS IN EGYPT

Snail farming (heliculture) is one of the most lucrative agricultural investment you can start in Egypt. It requires very little capital, compared to other animal rearing business. Snail farming provides one of the profitable opportunities to make money within a short period of time.  Thus, snail farming business in Egypt is a type or kind of agricultural investment with a promising return

You should know that the demand for snail is very high in Egypt and as such, the market potential of snail is inexhaustible, locally and internationally. Snails are in high demand particularly in the cosmetics industries in Egypt thanks to the medical importance of the snail products. slime from the snail serves as a material used in the cosmetic industry.

Benefits of snail farming in Egypt

1. Snail farm is very easy to run.
   2. It is very lucrative and profitable.
   3. Snails are environmental friendly.
   4. They are highly productive.
   5. Snails are low in fat and cholesterol.
   6. They are highly medicinal and used for health related products.
   7. It has traditional healing benefits.
   8. A good export opportunity.
   9. They contain iron, vitamin A, calcium, magnesium and have very low fat.

Species of snails reared in Egypt

Three main types of snails species are found in Egypt and other countries. They include Achatina Fulica, Achatina Achatina and the Archachatina Marginata.  However, Achatina Achatina species is the most recommended for snail farming because of its high reproductive potentials. The species can lay up to 500 eggs at once and lays eggs three times a year. The Achatina Achatina is also easy to find.

How profitable is snail business?

The profit margin on snail farming is high. In the US snails can go for $50 a pound or two dollars a snail. Snails are easily exportable live, with a shelf life ranging from 2 to 6 months. Snail meat is a recognized health food, high in protein and low in fat.

Are snails environment friendly?

Snails are environmentally friendly and does not constitute any form of nuisance at all. The droppings are odourless, and can be easily cleared and cleaned. Snails farming could be combined with other businesses and reared at the backyard

Things to consider before starting a Snail business in Egypt.

Interest

Like any other business, interesting is the first and important force in starting a snail business. Snails do not grow rapidly, but slowly. Don’t allow the slow growth to discourage you.

Environment

The best environment to situate your snail farm is a low plain, downhill site. The farm should not be exposed to excessive wind because too much wind would dry out and dehydrate your snails. It is best to have trees like banana or plantain planted around your snail farm.

Get your snails for farming

You would need some snails to start up your snail farm and you must ensure that they are fertile and in perfect condition. The best place to source for your initial stock is in the bushes. Snails gotten directly from their natural habitat are in the best condition because they have not been exposed to too much sunlight which would dehydrate them and make them less fertile.

Farmhouse

The house which must be built for the snail should be enclosed to prevent the snails from crawling out of the house. Preferable, cage house could be used. The house should be spacious enough and must be accessible to the soil.

Soil

The most preferable soil for snail is sandy-loamy soil with little water holding capacity. Clayey soil and acidic soil should be avoided.

Feeding

Food is an important requirement in the growth and development of snails. Snails are very versatile feeders. They can feed on anything from leaves to fruits. They can feed on cocoyam leaves, cassava and okra leaves, cabbage, lettuce, pawpaw as well as eggplant leaves. Snails can also feed on fruits like mangoes, banana, pawpaw, tomatoes and pears.

Labor

There must people to watch over the snail and supervise them. You might need to pay them for their services

Harvest

Now that your snails are mature, harvest them. However, when harvesting your snails, it is important to handle them carefully. Harvest them into clean plastic containers, baskets, bowls, or in a box to be carried to the point of sale. Do not overload the containers. 10 kg in each container is just okay so that the snails don’t get hurt or stressed.

Market your snails

You can sell your snails to market women, shops, restaurants, hotels or interested buyers