29th November, 2018
A snail farmer, Mrs Victoria Ola has called on government to support snail farmers to further boost agricultural practice in the country.
Ola told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ilorin on Thursday that it was time government at all levels paid attention to snail farming.
“Nigeria is an African country known for eating and cultivation of snails, especially the giant African snail.’’
She urged the Federal Government to diversify its focus and interest in agriculture to other aspects of the agribusiness such as snail farming.
“It seems the focus is only on crop production and poultry, snail farming is also a venture the government should invest in.
“Snails are high in proteins and water and low in fat, there are many other health benefits of eating snails.
“It has become a sought after meal for most people and cuisines made of snails are expensive, so it is very lucrative business for farmers.
“African snails are good delicacies in foreign countries, which means if we have the government support and enabling environment, we can become big exporters of snails, which in turn will boost the economy.’’
She urged youths to venture into snail farming as a profitable agribusiness, adding that if government made agriculture more attractive, there would be food security and stability in the country.
“I advise youths to go into snail farming, it is very lucrative, and can make them financially independent.’’
Ola, therefore, pleaded with the government to support snail farmers by coming up with funding schemes and training opportunities for better cultivation and farming of snails.