A recent study by researchers from the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE) and collaborators have unveiled a detailed list of freshwater molluscs harvested in Northeast India. The study, led by Anushree Jadhav and published in the Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge, marks the inaugural documentation of the diversity of freshwater molluscs, shedding light on their traditional use and availability in local markets.
Spanning Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, Tripura, and West Bengal, the study surveyed 23 markets to understand the types and quantities of freshwater molluscs traded. Strikingly, none of the species sold in these markets are categorized as Threatened according to the IUCN Red List, with all falling under Least Concern (LC) or Data Deficient (DD) categories.
The research uncovered 18 species of freshwater molluscs, emphasizing their significant role as a cheap protein source, offering food security, livelihoods, and even medicinal uses for tribal and economically disadvantaged communities.
Mizoram emerged as the hotspot for mollusc trade, boasting the sale of seven species, closely followed by Meghalaya with six. The study highlights that local communities exclusively utilize freshwater molluscs, with no indication of the use of terrestrial snails.
Market dynamics revealed that snails are sold in various forms, either pre-packed in one-kilogram packets or sold loose based on weight. Prices remained consistent across northeastern states for specific species but varied seasonally. For instance, prices for certain species ranged between Rs 20 and Rs 50 during monsoon, escalating to Rs 100 per mug during the off-season.
A noteworthy finding was that nearly 63% of vendors selling edible molluscs in the region are women, underlining their crucial role in the trade. The researchers also advocated for exploring snail farming as a potential avenue for income generation, citing its higher protein content compared to poultry. With snail farming being a low-maintenance venture, it could serve as a sustainable substitute in the face of global climate change concerns associated with conventional livestock farming. The study suggests that embracing edible snails could not only address food and nutritional insecurity but also elevate snail cuisine to a unique selling point for tourism in Northeast India.