Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, on Tuesday, urged the Federation of Snail Farmers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria to employ technology to improve snail production.
Onu gave the advice when officials of the association, led by its National President, Mr Ebeh Ikechukwu, paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja.
He said that the adoption of modern technological applications in snail farming would improve the quality of locally produced snails to meet international standards, while facilitating efforts to create wealth, jobs and guarantee food security.
The minister promised members of the association that 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.
Earlier, Ikechukwu solicited the support of the ministry for the association’s efforts to boost snail farming in Nigeria.
He said that if Nigeria gave more attention to sustainable snail production, it could generate appreciable income for the government.
Ikechukwu, however, regretted that the local snail species were not acceptable in international markets, adding 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. (NAN)