Mysuru: Snails, commonly regarded as crop pests and creatures found in damp surroundings, could emerge as an unconventional source of additional income for farmers, self-help groups and rural entrepreneurs. Researchers in Mysuru are promoting scientific snail farming as a potential livelihood activity while studying the possible commercial applications of land-dwelling snails.
A dedicated snail-farming facility has been established near the School of Life Sciences on the campus of JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research (JSS AHER). The centre aims to familiarise interested farmers and entrepreneurs with scientific snail rearing and develop knowledge about its potential commercial uses.
The initiative has received support from the Centre’s Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), the Biotechnology Ignition Grant, Karnataka’s Startup Elevate programme and Auric Cosmo India Private Limited.
Facility established in 2022
The snail-farming facility was established in 2022, and research on snails has been carried out for the past four years by Dr Asha Srinivasan and S Vikram Singh.
On August 11, 2026, the researchers interacted with farmers and aspiring entrepreneurs interested in learning about scientific snail farming. The initiative is intended to explore whether snail rearing can become a viable supplementary livelihood option, particularly for people seeking activities that do not require extensive land holdings.
The researchers emphasised that the project is based on scientific methods and is not merely an attempt to introduce another farm product. The focus is on understanding proper rearing practices, maintenance requirements and the possible uses of snail-derived materials.
Low investment and limited space required
According to the researchers, snail farming does not necessarily require large areas of land or heavy initial investment.
Snails can be reared through open, semi-controlled or fully controlled systems, depending on the available facilities and the scale of the operation. However, maintaining suitable environmental conditions is important.
Adequate shade, sufficient moisture, access to clean water and nutritious fresh green feed are among the basic requirements for snail rearing. Since snails thrive in moist environments, farmers need to ensure that the rearing area is managed properly.
The researchers believe the relatively limited space requirement could make the activity suitable as an additional source of income for small farmers, self-help groups and rural entrepreneurs.
Understanding the biology of snails
Snails are molluscs that carry their shells throughout their lives. They are generally more active in moist conditions, while the mucus they produce helps them move across surfaces.
Their mouths contain a specialised feeding structure known as a radula, which consists of numerous tiny teeth-like structures used for feeding.
The researchers said snails can live for nearly four years. They are also hermaphrodites, meaning an individual snail possesses both male and female reproductive organs.
However, researchers stressed that people interested in commercial snail farming need proper scientific knowledge about the species being reared, their feeding requirements, environmental conditions and maintenance practices.
Research explores skincare applications
The Mysuru centre is also examining possible commercial applications of snails and snail-derived materials.
In several parts of the world, snail-derived substances are used in skincare and related products. The research at the Mysuru facility has so far focused on potential applications connected with skin ailments, while further studies are planned.
Dr Asha Srinivasan, Assistant Professor at the JSS AHER School of Life Sciences, said the research could contribute to the development of cosmetic products and may also have potential relevance in studying treatments for certain skin conditions, including psoriasis.
She said the team has currently carried out research related to skin ailments and plans to explore additional applications in the future.
The findings and possible uses, however, would require appropriate scientific validation before any health-related claims or products could be commercially promoted.
Researchers offer guidance to farmers
Dr Asha said the centre is willing to provide guidance to farmers and others interested in learning scientific snail rearing methods.
She also stated that the centre is prepared to purchase quality snails brought by farmers, creating a possible market linkage for those taking up the activity under proper guidance.
The initiative could therefore offer interested participants not only technical support but also an opportunity to understand quality requirements and potential commercial demand.
For rural entrepreneurs considering diversification, such institutional guidance may be important because snail farming remains an uncommon activity in the region.
Focus remains on land-dwelling snails
S Vikram Singh, founder of Auric Cosmo India Private Limited, said the wider group of snails and slugs includes tens of thousands of species found on land, in freshwater and in marine environments.
The research at the Mysuru facility, however, is currently focused on land-dwelling snails.
Singh said establishing a snail farm does not require major capital investment, but proper maintenance is essential for successful rearing.
Fresh green feed and suitable environmental conditions must be consistently provided, he said, adding that farmers should receive adequate training before beginning commercial operations.
Potential for supplementary rural income
The researchers see snail farming as a possible supplementary livelihood rather than an immediate replacement for conventional agriculture.
The activity could potentially be explored by farmers with limited land, self-help groups looking for small-scale enterprises and rural entrepreneurs interested in biotechnology-linked products.
Its commercial success, however, would depend on several factors, including scientific rearing practices, the choice of appropriate species, regulatory requirements, quality standards and the availability of a reliable market.
The research team believes that developing scientific knowledge and market connections will be crucial before snail farming can expand as a sustainable rural enterprise.
With the JSS AHER facility continuing its research and training efforts, the initiative is opening an unusual avenue for farmers interested in diversification. The researchers hope that greater scientific understanding of snail rearing and its potential applications could eventually create new livelihood opportunities in Karnataka’s rural economy.
