Many people these days want to be gainfully employed, by this I mean on a paid job either monthly or bi-weekly. While others want to be self employed.
The problem many Nigerian fresh graduates have is knowing what choices to make as regards what they want. I believe for those who do not have any means of capital to start up a business if they want to, can be on a paid job to raise funds or be in a better position to be credit worthy. For the entrepreneurs, your job is for you to save for your capital to start that business idea in your mind.
There are many businesses to venture into especially in the agricultural sector. Irrespective of the amount of money any one makes in cryptocurrency, they must feed themselves. Feeding is a necessary endeavour for everyone, both rich and poor alike to stay alive.
I advocate for at least one farmer in every family in Niberia, then we will not be complaining too much about scarcity of food or hike in price during shortage.
There is one area of agriculture that almost anyone can practice, even a 10 year old child can practice it if he is taught how- what to do without little or no capital.
I PRESENT TO YOU SNAIL FARMING
Most people in Nigeria and in other parts of the world eat snail. Some are disgusted because of the slimy nature. But don't let thet fool you. That dark crawling and slimy looking animal can be a gold mine if you take the right steps in rearing them.
Snail and eggs
There are Nigerians who are exporting snails as we speak and they are making their cool cash. Some started from their sitting room because snails do not smell.
Some nutritional value of snail
100g serving snail contains
Calories - 90
Protein - 16.5g ( white meat-30g, red meat-25g, fish-19g)
Carbohydrate -2g ( good for weight loos)
Fat - 1.4g
Iron- 3.5mg, Potassium -382mg, magnesium -250mg
Calcium -10mg
Health Benefits of snail
Snails have anti-cancer properties that boost the immune system which helps to fight against cancer cells in the body
Serum secretion of snails are good protection for the skin against environmental damages and prevents acne when applied
Omega3 fatty acids in snails assists in brain development and memory of children; healthy heart, healthy eyes, healthy fetus in pregnant women among others.
STARTING A SNAIL FARM
Selection of snail for the farm
The best breed of snail in Nigeria and Africa is the African Giant land snail - Archatina Archatina, Archatina marginata and Archatina fulica. These can be bought from a snail farm, market or can be picked in the bushes. Which ever suits you.
These breeds of snails do so well in a pen house. The best time to start the farm is during the rainy season as from March. Some will tell you July but if you are not doing the natural roaming farm, it is better to start early since you are providing the necessary conditions for the snails.
Setting up the snail pen-house
The first thing to consider when building a snail house is the environment for maximum survival and rapid growth of the snails.
The area must be free from direct sunlight, hence must be shady and cool. Not waterlogged and away from ants and other predators like birds, worms, lizards, snakes, rats etc.
The environment must be moist with loamy soil and some dark corners for the snails to hide.
Building the snail house
The snail house must be well protected from predatorsand. The snails should be prevented with mosquito nets and wire gauze from roaming outside the house and running away. This can bemyour backyard, under the staircase, in the kitchen or close to the plantain.
Depending on your budget, the snail house can take any form from tires, to a well structured building.
After setting up the house, introduce the snails make sure it is not too overcrowed as this can stunt their growth thereby reduce reproduction.
Feeding of the snails is very cheap. Wastes from the fruit and vegetable sellers are their main feed. Sometimes add grounded egg shells to enrich their calcium formation and shelling.
Within six months to one year, a good snail farm must have doubled and trippled its snail population.
Snails are not expensive to feed like poultry and other farm animals. They do not need your full attention but need to be kept with tenderness and care. Always change their water at least once daily and put their food on a plate seperate from where they rest duringnthe day.
Always take out the eggs to hatch outside the main pen and start the nursary seperate too when the eggs hatch.
Start a farm today and let us see what you can produce.
Thank you for your time.
I am a proud farmer.
I am @gloeze
Yes.
Agriculture is the hub for a booming economy.
Sadly, my country didn't value it and worst still, our youths are not even interested in it.
Everybody want to work in shell or nnpc or bank manager.
Agriculture is life
Food is lifer
Snail agriculture is lifest.
Soft work u did here ma'am.
Youmare so right @mrposyble, I would have studied Agriculture back then but was discouraged. Thank God I found my way back to it. It is my passion.
each person has his own profession or expertise depending on how the person utilizes it, in addition to capital, the spirit is very influential on one's success
Do what is best for you @muzac. I wish you all the best. Thanks for commenting
It's great that you stood up to start this. well done.
Thank you so much. You can too if you just give it a trial.
Wow.. This is great @gloeze, all dis while I did not know Snail could be reared. I thought people just go into the bush late at night or early in d the morning to pick them. Thanks alot for this information... Wishing u more productivity in ur farm🙌
Thank you so much. Now you know, It is a simple mathematics. 1000 snails with each laying just 20 eggs in a year and a 80% survival rate. Of which they actually lay more than 20 eggs in a year.
It is good money when one it's sold for say 300 naira. You are talking millions @emekacollins. Gradually I will grow mine.
The slim is used for cosmetic products. Snails are used in spa's as well for facial scrubs. Snails can be used as pets around the house. The advantage is that it's an asset and not a liability as many other pets.
Interesting @simmony, as a chemist I have plans with every of my farm produce. I only need the right conditions to make my vision a reality. I have read about the use of the slime and I know on its own another mine to harvest from 😀. The shells too, these are topics for another day.
Thank you for your comment.