Stone Snails Become Harder to Find and Prices Drop Compared to Previous Years

Pajau Media

November 24, 2025

In Putao Township of Kachin State, it is currently the season for searching for stone snails, but due to the ongoing military situation, it has become increasingly difficult for locals to travel and collect them, according to residents.

In previous years, people could freely move around to search for stone snails. However, this year, military council troop movements and clashes along travel routes have made it much harder for locals to go out.

“One could travel peacefully during this season in the past. But now, because of the fighting, hardly anyone dares to go,” a local resident said.

Chinese buyers purchase most of the stone snails, which are used for herbal medicine preparation and as aromatic ingredients in cooking.

However, this year Chinese traders have been buying far fewer stone snails. The price, which used to be around 700,000 to 800,000 kyats per viss, has dropped to just over 400,000 kyats per viss.

“In past years, one viss cost around 700,000 to 800,000 kyats. This year, I don’t know why, but they are buying for just over 400,000 kyats per viss,” the resident added.

Locals say that due to weather conditions and various other factors, stone snails have become increasingly scarce year after year.

News: Hpring