You need technology to meet global standard, Onu tells snail farmers


Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, has charged snail famers in the country to adopt technology in their farming chain to boost their production.

The Minister gave the charge yesterday, when officials of the Federation of Snail Farmers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria, led by its National President, Mr Ebeh Ikechukwu, paid him a courtesy visit in his office, Abuja.He told the farmer that they must adopt modern technological applications in snail farming in order to enhance the quality of locally produced snails and to meet international standards, while facilitating efforts to create wealth, jobs and guarantee food security.While assuring his support, Onu said the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA) would work with them in efforts to acquire useful technology that would boost their production.“We commend you for how far you have gone in snail production in Nigeria. We will help to link you up with NABDA in order to support you.“Apart from nurturing snails for food security, job and wealth creation, snails can also be used as raw materials in the production of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and animal feeds, among others.
“We believe that one day, Nigeria will become one of the best snail producers in the world,’’ he said.
In his remarks, the head of the delegation, Mr. Ikechukwu appealed for government support to the association so as to boost snail farming in Nigeria.
The group leader affirmed that if Nigeria gave more attention to sustainable snail production, it could generate appreciable income for the government.
While, regretting that the local snail species were not acceptable in international markets, Ikechukwu noted that the association was, therefore, making efforts to invite foreign technical partners to transform the business.

“The agreement is that they will bring their species into Nigeria and train our members nationwide in snail management in order to start producing snails that are acceptable in international markets,’’ he said.   

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