Story by Kenias Chivuzhe
Snail production has become a lucrative enterprise, with a Mutare based farmer raising edible land snails for cosmetics and human consumption.
Heliciculture, commonly known as snail farming, has not been widely practiced in the country, but Mutare-based Godfrey Gurupira is seeking to take the initiative to another level.
Gurupira, from Natiview, is now a knowledge repository of snail production and currently boosts of a collection of over 300 snails.
Although the introduction of snail relish in global dishes is still low, Gurupira targets to reach 1 000 snails by the end of February, buoyed by the good rains and anticipated returns from cosmetic products developed from slime.
“I breed snails to make lotions, soaps and dyes. I started the project last October after being motivated by President Mnangagwa who encourages the youths to be productive. The snails can live up to 15 years. We can also make use of shells to produce buttons and necklaces among other products. In Nigeria and Kenya there are snail farmers. So far, I have 350 snails and I am targeting to increase the number of snails to 1 000 by end of February. Snails lay four or five eggs every four weeks. This is a profitable business but the biggest challenge is the demand for my products is growing yet I lack capacity to expand the venture in line with the increasing demand,” said Mr Gurupira.
With snail slime primarily used for cosmetics, Gurupira believes with more support he can acquire a bigger place to operate from, thereby increasing production.
“Snails eats lettuces, cabbage, greens and bulgur. The snails passes out slime as an act of defense. Each snail produces three millimetres of slime per day. The slime is used to make lotions, soaps and dyes. Snails have a highly delicious meat more than chicken. We are eating the snails alone at the moment.
“The project can be grown if we have a snail farming area as at the moment we are operating from home. This is a highly lucrative business. We mix the slime with other concentrations and chemicals to produce lotions. The slime is known for transforming the skin of the people to become smoother,” he said.
The retail price of snails ranges from 5.83 to 11.22 euro per kilogramme in Paris and Marseille.
France is the largest consumer of snails, accounting for approximately 31% of the global total consumption volume.
