Fu Taocheng from Taiwan checks on white jade snails bred in Pingtan [Courtesy of interviewee]

Fu Taocheng from Taiwan was seen plowing a field at Shanglou Village of Pingtan, the closest place on the mainland to the island of Taiwan. “I plan to raise white jade snails on this plot of land,” said Fu.

Fu, a post-90s tanned chap, is a bright person who is generous to pass on a smile to anyone he crosses paths with. In July 2020, Fu became a community builder in Beicuo Village, Pingtan.

During this time, he came to know about the local community that depended heavily on small-scale fishing and farming, barely making much to maintain a sustainable livelihood. Since then, Fu has been thinking of ways to enrich the villagers’ source of income.  

On one occasion, Fu heard that his friend Zhan Junjie was running a business in Pingtan, which had him excited. It turned out that Zhan is a snail expert in Taiwan and planned to expand his business in Pingtan. “Raising white jade snails requires low investment and simple technology, with rapid propagation and no pollution. They are suitable for private breeders." Zhan introduced that the edible white jade snails are delicious and nutritious. They can be processed into delicacies. Through biological extraction, they can be made into cosmetics. 

"This is a good project for the villagers to increase their income!" Fu Taocheng was eager when he learned of the fortuitous opportunity. Alas, snail farming is "off the beaten path" and no one-hit-wonder, let alone getting a bunch of villagers on the same page. To this end, Fu Taocheng decided to be an adventurer and try the project first. "Only success can dispel the doubts of the villagers."

In June 2021, Fu Taocheng rented a plot of idle land in the village and introduced 600 white jade snails to start breeding. He asked Zhan Junjie for advice and devoted himself to farming. Windy or rainy, Fu Taocheng "soaks" in the field almost every day, feeding the snails, spraying water, adjusting the temperature, and disinfecting. "I'm used to dealing with muddy soil and snail feces," said Fu.

Fu’s hard work soon paid off. After only 4 months, the number of the reproduced snails has exceeded 10,000. He made a profit on selling most to purchasing agents.

Seeing the initial success of the white jade snail farming, Liu Jiagui, a villager in Beicuo Village, was keen to follow suit and took Fu as his master. Fu always explained patiently and shared his own experience. Liu made progress quickly and succeeded in raising over 100 snails. “I look forward to a good harvest,” said Liu.

Early this year, Fu took over the community building in Shanglou Village and also started snail farming. He is preparing for a snail-breeding workshop, allowing farmers to share their experiences.

"I hope to expand the breeding scale, introduce equipment from Taiwan, and build a sightseeing farm in Pingtan,” envisioned Fu.

Source: Fujian Daily

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