From Wasteland to Wealth: How a Farmer Profits from Snails

In 2007, after finishing his military service, 37-year-old Luong Giang Chau from Dien Ngoc Ward, DienBan Town in Quang Nam returned to his hometown and explored various professions, though none secured steady income.

In 2015, recognizing the increasing interest in organic food, Chau took a leap into entrepreneurship. Utilizing his savings of VND300 million, he converted a 6,000 sqm family plot for black snail farming.

Unfortunately, due to a lack of experience, his initial snail batch faced high losses, and the next two attempts didn’t fare much better.

“I realized that surrendering without gaining knowledge about snails was essentially forfeiting my chance. It was crucial for me to understand their habitat and diet before making any final decisions,” said Chau.

Determined to succeed, he adopted a focused learning approach, delving into research materials, visiting thriving snail farms, and acquiring knowledge on water management, disease prevention, and pond ecosystem enhancement.

By 2019, Chau leased an additional hectare of previously neglected land, transforming it into natural snail breeding ponds. He noted that black snail farming requires a modest investment but offers impressive returns due to the availability of diverse and inexpensive feed.

Black snails are particularly prolific, allowing farmers to produce their own breeding stock after the initial investment, which dramatically lowers future costs and enhances profitability.

“This tasty delicacy reproduces throughout the year, with each female snail capable of laying between 50 and 150 eggs at a time. The market value for eggs ranges from VND700,000 to more than VND1 million per kilogram,” he added.

Currently, Chau supplies 40,000–50,000 breeding snails monthly, priced at VND3–3.5 million for 10,000. He also harvests commercial snails daily, yielding 40–50 kg at a rate of VND80,000–100,000/kg.

Additionally, he sells snail eggs and is exploring processed products like snail patties and stuffed snails. After covering his expenses, the farm brings in profits of VND20-25 million per month (VND240-300 million annually).

Chau’s operation employs five full-time workers, who earn around VND7 million/month, and seven seasonal workers, mainly women, who assist with processing and earn approximately VND4 million/month.

Chau envisions expanding his operation by renting 3 hectares in Dien Ngoc. His idea includes incorporating fish farming and lotus cultivation to create an agricultural tourism hub where visitors can learn about sustainable snail farming, engage in snail catching, and savor local dishes on-site.

“Integrating agriculture with hands-on experiences adds enduring value. I aspire for my snail farm to be a learning destination for students and tourists alike, helping everyone appreciate the farming process,” Chau expressed.