Snapshot
Snail farming in India is a low-investment, high-profit agribusiness gaining momentum due to rising demand for snail meat, slime, and shells. With minimal space, low maintenance, and strong export potential, it’s an ideal venture for small farmers and agri-entrepreneurs.
A single snail can lay hundreds of eggs annually, and farms can earn ₹5–7 lakh per year with proper setup and care. From choosing the right species to marketing your harvest, this guide gives you a complete step-by-step plan to start your own profitable snail farm in India.
Snail farming (also known as heliciculture) is a low-investment, high-demand agribusiness that is gaining attention in India. With increasing demand for snail meat, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, this business offers great profit potential even on a small scale. In this complete guide, we’ll break down the A–Z of starting and running a snail farm successfully in India — including setup, cost, species, profits, marketing, and expert insights.
Note:
Since snail farming is still in its early stages in India, most examples are small-scale pioneers or part of agri-startup ecosystems. Their stories show that with the right knowledge and market access, snail farming can be a game-changer.
What is Snail Farming?
Snail farming, or heliciculture, is the process of raising land snails for commercial use, mainly for:
- Meat consumption (escargot)
- Cosmetic & skincare products
- Pharmaceutical use (mucin, collagen)
- Ornamental shell trade
Note: Snail meat is rich in protein, iron, and low in fat – making it popular in high-end hotels and export markets.
Why Start a Snail Farm in India?
India has favourable climatic conditions and agricultural land for snail farming. Here’s why it’s a smart choice:
- ✅ Low initial investment (₹25,000–₹2 lakh)
- ✅ High profit margin (up to ₹5–8 lakh/year possible)
- ✅ Growing demand in export markets (EU, USA, Gulf countries)
- ✅ Low feed cost (snails eat kitchen waste, greens)
- ✅ Less space required
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Investment | Starts from ₹25,000 |
| Space Needed | 100–300 sq. ft. for small farm |
| Return on Investment | 200%–300% within 6–12 months |
| Maintenance | Very low (minimal care, no noise) |
Expert Tip: Start small, learn the lifecycle, and then scale.
Market Potential of Snail Farming
Snail meat, known as “escargot”, is a delicacy in Europe and is being increasingly adopted in metro cities and hotels in India. Here’s the snapshot:
Global Snail Market:
- 🌍 Worth: Over $1 billion annually
- 🇮🇳 India’s potential: ₹500+ crore market by 2028
- ✈️ Export demand: France, Italy, Nigeria, USA
| Segment | Demand Source |
|---|---|
| Culinary | Hotels, gourmet restaurants |
| Cosmetics | Snail mucin in skincare products |
| Pharma | Used in wound healing gels |
| Export | Middle East, Africa, Europe |
One-Line Note: With India’s growing export network, snail farming could become a global agro-export opportunity.
Best Species of Snails for Farming in India
Not all snail types are suitable for farming. Top recommended breeds:
| Species Name | Scientific Name | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Giant African Snail | Achatina achatina | Fast-growing, large meat yield |
| Garden Snail | Helix aspersa | Popular in Europe, easy to breed |
| Fulica | Achatina fulica | Available locally, low maintenance |
How to Start a Snail Farm in India (Step-by-Step)
✅ Step 1: Select the Right Species
Start with 10–50 breeder snails of a high-yield variety like Achatina achatina.
✅ Step 2: Choose a Suitable Land
- Semi-shaded area
- Moist soil with good drainage
- 100–300 sq. ft. for a beginner farm
✅ Step 3: Build the Shelter
Use low-cost wooden boxes, concrete pens, or trench enclosures.
✅ Step 4: Set up Humidity & Lighting
- Maintain 75–90% humidity
- Natural light + shade preferred
✅ Step 5: Procure Feed
- Kitchen scraps, vegetables, fruits
- Supplement with calcium, wheat bran
✅ Step 6: Breeding
- Snails lay 100–400 eggs per cycle
- Hatch in 21–30 days
- Maturity reached in 6–8 months
✅ Step 7: Harvest & Sell
- Harvest size: 100–120 grams
- Sell live, dried or processed
| Step | Activity | Time Frame |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Setup & preparation | 1–2 weeks |
| 2 | First breeding cycle | 1 month |
| 3 | Harvest | 6–8 months later |
Quick Tip: A single snail can lay up to 100 eggs/month, making this a high-yield business.
Snail Farm Setup Cost in India
| Item | Estimated Cost (₹) |
|---|---|
| Land preparation | 5,000–10,000 |
| Snail breeders (50 pcs) | 5,000–7,500 |
| Enclosures/Shelter | 10,000–25,000 |
| Feeding containers/tools | 2,000–3,000 |
| Miscellaneous | 3,000–5,000 |
| Total | 25,000–50,000 |
Feeding & Housing Guide
Feeding:
Housing:
- Wooden boxes or plastic tanks
- Concrete pens for medium-scale
- Netting or fencing for protection
| Feed Type | Frequency | Cost Efficiency |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen waste | Daily | Very cost-effective |
| Bran | Weekly | Moderate |
| Calcium | Weekly | Essential |
Tip: Avoid salt and spices in food – toxic to snails.
Snail Reproduction & Lifecycle
- Hermaphrodites: Both sexes in one
- Lay 100–400 eggs per clutch
- Incubation: 21–30 days
- Growth to harvest: 6–8 months
Note: One pair of snails can yield over 1,200 snails in a year.
Profit Margin in Snail Farming
| Farm Size | Production (kg/year) | Gross Income (₹) | Expenses (₹) | Profit (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small (500 pcs) | 250–300 kg | ₹2,00,000+ | ₹40,000 | ₹1.6 lakh+ |
| Medium (2,000) | 1,200+ kg | ₹8–10 lakh | ₹2–3 lakh | ₹5–7 lakh |
Legal Requirements & Licenses
- FSSAI License (if selling processed meat)
- Export License (for international trade)
- Local agricultural board registration (optional)
- Environment clearance (for large-scale)
Note: No special permission is required for small farms using native species.
Marketing & Sales Channels
- Local butcher shops and hotels
- Export agents (Europe, UAE, Africa)
- Online portals (Meat delivery platforms)
- Wholesale seafood markets
- Pharmaceutical and cosmetic companies
Tip: Build a local + export hybrid strategy for long-term growth.
Challenges in Snail Farming
| Challenge | Solution |
|---|---|
| Predators (rats, birds) | Use nets, fences |
| Climate fluctuations | Shelter with controlled humidity |
| Low awareness in India | Educate buyers, target niche markets |
| Spoilage post-harvest | Use proper packaging, dry processing |
Expert Tips to Succeed in Snail Farming
- Start with 100–200 snails to learn hands-on
- Keep humidity between 75% and 90%
- Harvest when snails are 100–120g
- Always keep records of breeding, feed & health
- Dry snails in a hygienic setup for a long shelf life
3 Real Indian Examples
🐌 1. Prathamesh Marathe – Maharashtra
Prathamesh, a young farmer from Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, started a snail farm in his backyard after learning about heliciculture online. With an initial investment of just ₹30,000, he now supplies live snails to gourmet restaurants in Mumbai and Pune and is working on expanding into cosmetic-grade snail slime production. He also conducts awareness workshops to educate rural youth about this lesser-known opportunity.
🐌 2. Eco HeliFarm – Tamil Nadu
Founded in Coimbatore, Eco HeliFarm is one of the first organised snail farms in southern India. The farm specialises in Achatina fulica and Achatina achatina species and has developed tie-ups with exporters who cater to markets in France and the Gulf countries. They also experiment with snail slime extraction for organic beauty products and offer training programs.
🐌 3. Rajesh Yadav – Uttar Pradesh
Rajesh, a small farmer from Lucknow, shifted from traditional farming to snail farming in 2022 after attending an agri-startup seminar. With support from an agriculture incubator and a local veterinary university, he set up a climate-controlled snail breeding unit. His farm now supplies to Delhi-based wholesalers and earns him a steady monthly income. His success has inspired local farmers to follow suit.
Conclusion
Starting a snail farm in India is a profitable, eco-friendly, and scalable agribusiness opportunity. With proper planning, the right species, and smart marketing, you can turn a small backyard into a thriving, high-return business. It’s ideal for new farmers, unemployed youth, or anyone interested in sustainable farming.
Explore more blogs to boost your farming knowledge and make smarter agri-business moves.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, you can earn ₹1.5–₹7 lakh/year depending on your farm size and market.
Minimum ₹25,000 is enough for a small farm.
Achatina achatina (Giant African Snail) is widely used.
Snails take 6–8 months to reach market size.
They eat kitchen waste, leafy vegetables, wheat bran, and calcium-rich supplements.
No, but an FSSAI license is required if you’re processing or packaging.
Start with at least 100–200 snails to learn breeding cycles.
100–300 sq. ft. is enough for 500 snails.
Yes, with a proper export license and contacts, you can sell to Europe and the Gulf.
Yes. It’s a zero-waste, sustainable farming method using low water and natural feed.
