- Pioneering Snail Farming in Pakistan: Sidra Sajjad, an entrepreneur from Mansehra, introduced snail farming in 2021, establishing Prime Snail Mucus, a cruelty-free operation producing snail slime for cosmetics.
- Innovative Production and Products: Using a proprietary extraction method and UV filtration, her farm produces high-quality snail slime, which is formulated into serums, creams, and other skincare products enriched with organic ingredients.
- Expanding Potential: Sidra highlights the growing global demand for snail-based beauty products and seeks strategic partnerships to expand the industry in Pakistan, urging awareness and investment.
Inspired by the global demand for snail mucus in cosmetics, Sidra Sajjad, an ambitious entrepreneur from Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has introduced snail farming to Pakistan.
With a background in the herbal business, Sidra became intrigued by snail farming’s economic potential after reading about its benefits.
Her curiosity led her to extensive online research and inspired her to persuade her father, Sajjad Akhtar Swati, a retired school teacher, to support her vision.
In 2021, Sidra turned her dream into reality by establishing a snail farming operation on a three-kanal (16,335 square feet) plot in her hometown.
The Vision Behind Prime Snail Mucus
“Snail farming is a rapidly growing industry focused on harvesting snail slime, a prized ingredient in cosmetics and skincare products,” Sidra explained during an interview. Snail mucus is renowned for its antioxidant properties, which help combat signs of aging, such as wrinkles and sagging skin.
Despite facing numerous challenges, Sidra remained determined. Her perseverance paid off, and her enterprise, Prime Snail Mucus, became a success story, bolstered by her family’s unwavering support.
“Our farm houses over 500 kilograms of wild snails in a natural environment maintained by a team of 32 workers,” she shared. Initially, the extraction process caused stress to the snails, but after extensive research, Sidra implemented a cruelty-free method that ensures the snails are treated with care.
“For over three years, we’ve utilized a lyophilization process and developed a proprietary, chemical-free extraction method,” Sidra revealed. This innovative technique guarantees superior-quality slime, setting a new industry standard.
Innovative Production Processes
Sidra’s farm extracts one kilogram of snail slime from 12 to 15 kilograms of snails. The snails then rest for one to two months to regenerate mucus. A dedicated on-site laboratory ensures the extracted slime undergoes UV filtration to eliminate bacteria.
The purified slime is available in raw and serum forms to meet market demand. The lab also manufactures creams and serums containing up to 90% pure snail mucus. Additional organic ingredients like aloe vera, glycol, and vitamin A are added to enhance the formulations.
These products, rich in vital minerals, are used in a variety of cosmetics, including serums, facial masks, moisturizers, and fading creams. “Snail cream is highly sought after for its quick absorption, smooth application, and non-sticky finish,” Sidra noted.
A Growing Industry with Immense Potential
Sidra emphasized the vast growth potential of snail farming in Pakistan. “The global market for snail-based beauty products is expanding rapidly due to their multifunctional benefits,” she observed. However, she believes that raising awareness and encouraging investment is crucial to realizing the industry’s potential in Pakistan.
Currently, the snails on her farm are in hibernation until March, allowing Sidra to focus on marketing her products to companies in Lahore. “I am seeking strategic partnerships with forward-thinking companies,” she said. “Together, we can harness the full potential of this innovative ingredient, elevate cosmetic formulations, and set new standards for skincare excellence.”
Sidra’s journey serves as an inspiring example of how vision, determination, and innovation can transform challenges into opportunities, paving the way for a brighter future in Pakistan’s agricultural and cosmetic industries.
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