PVC impose ban on random collection of snail
Kuzhovesa Soho
Phek | February 16
Is snail included in your food-menu as one of the favourite item? And if you are looking for some, then you can find a good number between the months of November to February which is considered as its perfect season.
Take a look at any part of water-fields in Phek district and one will find many old and young women engaged in collection snail for family consumption as well as commercial purpose. “Khilunye” festival ushers in the snail season and considered as the time when the snail and other indigenous fishes and species in water field, taste best.
Besides, for consumption, local people use snail for treating certain ailments. However, unlike earlier days, the availability of snail in large quantity has been reduced drastically following the heavy rush of collection for commercial purpose.
Viewing the commercial value of snail, a resident opined that the government must identify some areas for promoting rearing snail in the state. He continued that a large scale production of snail would definitely improve the economy of rural people, giving reasons that many villagers are earning handsome amount through the sale of snail Phek district itself.
Locally available water-field’s food items are considered as rare commodity. It not only does fetch high demand in the market but serve as one of the best cuisine during festive seasons. On viable commercial prospect, one can earn Rs. 600 a day by selling snail.
Meantime, in a wake of the heavy rush of snail collection in Phek village, the Phek Village Council (PVC) has recently resolved to impose ban on random collection of snail within its jurisdiction. The PVC warned that heavy fine will be imposed against anyone found violating the same. However, it reserves the right of owner to collect the same in their own field. The restriction, according to PVC, has been necessitated to restrict random collection of snail for business purpose and to safeguard the manure of water-fields. It is learnt that frequent entrance into water-fields spoils the manure and lower the harvest of paddy. Further, the ban also attempts to create public awareness on the value of locally available food items in water-fields.
An observer opined that once PVC resolution becomes effective, it would enhance the production of snail as well as meeting one needs apart from using it as commercial purpose. Meanwhile, several organizations welcomed the decision of PVC, which they said, is, partially implementing the resolution of Chakhesang Public Organization (CPO) on wild life preservation.
