CIPMC team checks Giant African snail spread in Malappuram’s Nannammukku

A team from the Central Integrated Pest Management Centre (CIPMC), Kochi, inspected areas affected by Giant African snails in Nannammukku grama panchayat, Malappuram, and held an awareness programme for farmers.

The inspection followed a complaint by a resident about the increasing snail infestation. Plant protection officer Presty John and assistant plant protection officer Renjumol R. led the team.

The officials visited the affected farms and nearby areas and interacted with farmers and residents. They explained the life cycle of the Giant African snail, its impact on crops, and its high reproductive rate.

“The snails multiply quickly and can cause damage to a range of crops. Keeping farms and their surroundings clean is an important step in controlling them,” Ms. John said.

Pamphlets distributed

The team distributed pamphlets on snail control prepared by the CIPMC. It advised farmers to clear weeds, bushes, and other places where snails can hide and to collect and destroy the snails using 25% salt water.

The officials also suggested placing wet jute bags with cabbage or papaya leaves or banana peels to attract snails and then destroying them using brine or a natural molluscicide.

“Farmers can also use bait traps made with wheat flour, jaggery, yeast, and copper sulphate to attract and kill the snails,” Ms. John said.

Nannammukku grama panchayat president Shanthini Raveendran, ward member Sudheesh, Krishi Bhavan agricultural assistant Devi C.P. and other officials accompanied the team.