Finshots Daily The snake venom industry is facing a fatal bite!
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Sep 19, 2024 India's unique snake venom industry is on the brink of collapse, largely due to restrictive regulations. The Irula tribe, which plays a vital role in snake catching for anti-venom production, faces economic hardships. Their expertise is crucial for public health, yet they lack essential support from the government. Urgent action is needed to ensure their livelihoods and recognize their significant contributions.
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Irula Tribe and ASV Production
- The Irula tribe in India plays a crucial role in the healthcare industry by supplying venom for anti-snake venom (ASV) production.
- They catch venomous snakes, extract their venom, and then release them, contributing to 80% of India's ASV production.
Economic Hardship of the Irula Community
- Despite their crucial role, the Irula community faces economic hardship and an uncertain future.
- Their income fluctuates, and their traditional livelihood of snake skin export was banned in 1976.
Unstable Income of the Irula Cooperative
- The Irula's cooperative generates about 4 crore rupees annually, but income is unstable.
- In 2022, they earned only 30 lakh rupees due to unpredictable permissions for catching snakes.