African Giant Snail Management Achieves 60–70% Reduction in Infestation in Udaipur

24 September 2026, Udaipur

The ICAR–National Research Centre for Integrated Pest Management, New Delhi, organised a farmers’ workshop at Bichhiwada village, Udaipur, under the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) on the theme “Integrated Management of African Giant Snail: A Success Story.” The programme brought together farmers, scientists and agricultural experts to deliberate on effective and sustainable approaches for managing the growing menace of African Giant Snail.

Dr Raman Thangavelu, Director, ICAR-NRIIPM, New Delhi, was the Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering, he emphasised the importance of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and active farmer participation in addressing serious pest problems. He highlighted the successful management of African Giant Snail as an example of how coordinated efforts between farmers and scientists, supported by scientific technologies, can deliver effective results.

Dr Thangavelu stressed that relying solely on chemical measures is not sufficient for effective snail management. He advocated an integrated approach combining cultural, mechanical, biological and chemical methods. Farmers were advised to hand-pick and destroy snails during the morning and evening hours, remove snail eggs from the soil, use yeast- or jaggery-based traps, and conserve natural enemies such as birds and frogs. Where required, the judicious use of metaldehyde, iron phosphate, copper sulphate, salt and lime were also recommended.

The programme began with a welcome address highlighting the increasing incidence of snails in agricultural fields and the need for greater farmer awareness regarding scientific management practices.

The keynote scientific session provided detailed insights into IPM strategies for African Giant Snail, a highly polyphagous and destructive pest affecting crops including maize, vegetables, pulses and fruit plants. The management technologies developed through scientific research were demonstrated in farmers’ fields and resulted in a 60–70% reduction in snail infestation. The intervention not only helped protect crops but also contributed to increased farm income, demonstrating the effective transfer of scientific technologies from research laboratories to farmers’ fields.

The workshop also provided a platform for direct interaction between farmers and scientists, enabling farmers to share field-level problems and seek practical solutions. The programme concluded with a call for wider adoption of integrated snail management practices to promote sustainable crop protection.

The successful management of African Giant Snail in the region is emerging as an inspiring model of farmer–scientist collaboration and technology-led pest management, with potential for wider adoption among farmers facing similar challenges.

(Source: ICAR – National Research Centre for Integrated Pest Management, New Delhi)