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The Fatal Crisis Facing India's Snake Venom Industry in 2024

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The snake venom production industry is one of the most important industries in India's healthcare sector. Since snake venom is an indispensable part of producing anti-snake venom, which annually saves thousands of human lives, the industry, since last year, has been facing an unprecedented crisis. However, the industry moved from its commercial boom to severe crisis by 2024. Regulatory changes, instability in financial matters, and out-of-date practices are dealing with the livelihood of those who extract snake venom for income, especially the Irula tribe. This article analyzes the historical significance of snake venom extraction, the vital role of the Irula tribe, and the pressing challenges that it deals with today.

Thumbnail depicting the crisis in India's snake venom industry in 2024, featuring snakes and the Irula tribe.

Historical Significance of Snake Venom in India

For centuries, India has been branded as the "land of snake charmers." Although a supposedly colonial jest, this phase covers a profound truth. Snake catching has been a part of India's cultural heritage and holds important ramifications for public health.

The Irula tribe was at the forefront of this industry, as it is one of the oldest indigenous communities in India. Having a rich historical background of various techniques passed from generation to generation, the Irulas catch some of the deadliest snakes found in the country, including common kraits and Indian cobras. This ability helped carry out the provision of venom for the production of ASV, which neutralizes the effect of snake bites.

Probably the most important event for the tribe in this regard is the establishment, in the 1970s, of the Irula Snake Catchers' Industrial Cooperative Society (ISCICS). The formation of ISCICS followed the passage of the Wildlife Protection Act in 1972, which banned the export of snake skins, affecting very severely the traditional occupation of the Irulas. ISCCS made it possible for the Irulas to survive within their culture and yet to continue making contributions to health care through venom extraction.

The Role of the Irula Tribe in the Snake Venom Industry

The Irula tribe can well be described as an integral part of the snake venom industry in India. They are supplying around 80% of the venom used in ASV. Year after year, these professional snake catchers draw venom from thousands of snakes. Venom thus drawn is processed to formulate drugs that save the lives of snake-bite victims; and there is an annual sales figure of around ₹4 crores for their co-operative, bringing important earning to various families.

Despite their centrality in this industry, the Irulas face many restrictions. The Forest Department has scaled down the quotas in terms of snake catching tremendously, which has dramatically reduced their capacity to supply venom. From 13,000 snakes a year from which they could extract venom, today it has been scaled down to 5,000. With all this, their income is being affected and so is the sustainability of the cooperative.

The Decline of the Snake Venom Industry

The current scenario of snake venom industry in India is a reflection of the systemic problems that have accumulated over time. As many as 4 million snake bites occur every year in India, which account for nearly 50,000 deaths, hence the availability of ASV must be done in time. However, the ability to produce venom among the Irula tribe was deteriorating significantly.

The main problem is the delayed permissions for snake catching. Permissions often reach the cooperative late in the season, which then deters the cooperative from picking venom effectively. For example, this season, many Irulas found themselves waiting for approval just days before the end of the fiscal year, which drastically limited their operations.

The income garnered by the cooperative also fluctuates chaotically. While in 2022 Irulas were generating only ₹30 lakhs, many times this is more than what could potentially be collected with a stable, supportive structure. This lack of stability compels many members of the tribe to seek other work, further eroding their capacity to continue to focus on venom extraction.

Production Challenges in Anti-Venom Manufacturing

The quality of ASV manufactured in India depends majorly on the venom extracted by the Irula tribe. However, the outdated methods of extraction have been a challenge. Quality tests have sometimes identified contaminants in the venom that impact the potency of the derived anti-venom.

The process of venom extraction needs up gradation. One of the viable solutions could be the setting up of serpentariums-screened facilities to breed and monitor snakes. The plan is well supported by the standards of World Health Organization who lay much emphasis on consistency in production quality. But getting the same permission from the Central Zoo Authority was taking a lot of time and effort.

Another variable that affects snake venoms is habitat and diet. For this reason, ASV effectiveness varies according to the source of venom. This variation has resulted in severe complications during the treatment of snakebite victims and thus decreased demand for ASV produced from Irula-extracted venom.

Impact of the Wildlife Protection Act on the Industry

This act-the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972-purported to safeguard the wildlife and the environment in general. The restrictions it imposed on snake catching gave the communities, such as the Irula tribe, a reason to hamper their effort to engage in a sustainable operation within the snake catching industry. It has reduced the tribe's capacity to carry on its traditional practices in a sustainable fashion and thus financially.

Indeed, the debate in the Wildlife Protection Act needs to balance its protective instincts on wildlife but also consider the cultural value and economical contribution of the indigenous people. Advocates would argue that more flexible regulations could allow the Irula tribe to maintain their lifeblood work in snake venom production without infringing on animal welfare.

Government Initiatives and Potential Solutions

The Indian government has somewhat recognized the Irula tribe. Within the last few years, two members of this society were honored with Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian award for work done in the health care sector. It is one thing to say "well done" but quite another to do so practically.

Plans to hike their monthly pay are in the pipeline for Irula snake catchers, who take home as little as ₹4,000 a month. But it may not be enough without speeding of permissions to snake catching and adequate time for venom extractions.

The possibility of transforming ISCICS into a multi-state cooperative could offer an even more efficient and sustainable model for venom collection. It would spread the area of operations and make a better distribution network, though progress on this front has been very slow.

Moreover, public private partnership could give a renewed impetus to the industry. Collaboration with health care companies and NGOs involved in wildlife protection could contribute to the Irula tribe's source of fund and other requisites to modernize their extraction process and improve quality of their venom.

Future Prospects for India’s Snake Venom Industry

If the current trends of modernization and reform regulation merge with renewed community support, India's snake venom industry will remain in good standing. Similarly, there is much to be gained economically, too if the government and other stakeholders recognize the system.

It would, of course be important to address the root systemic issues responsible for the demise of the snake venom industry. Collaboration with conservation and healthcare organizations that share one's vision may then produce more innovation towards the industry's sustainability.

Increased awareness of the significance of snake venom to the health care industry will provide increased and better support for the sector. The major contribution by the Irula tribe as well as the saving lives potential of ASV will drive a favorable environment conducive for growth and sustainability for the industry.

The Global Perspective

Snake venom has attracted so much attention worldwide not only to be put to antivenom production but also other pharmaceutical uses. Researchers have looked at its efficiency in pharmaceuticals and treatments for conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and chronic pain. This soon rising interest will probably open new markets that the Irula can avail themselves of and monetize besides just the revenue from snake catching.

Australia and Brazil, for example, have been countries that would successfully implement venom extraction as a natural method within the health systems of those countries- to help their local populations and contribute to medical research. India can model after those examples to develop a strong, diverse snake venom industry; it could be what brings the country up to an international standard.

India's snake venom industry has come to a watershed moment. An industry built around the Irula tribe, this one is supposed to both save lives and catalyse community development. But the industry urgently needs several knots of difficulties smoothened on its way forward. Government support, reform in regulation, and community empowerment will all go a long way in upscaling this vital industry.

The futures of wildlife conservation and human livelihoods are inextricably linked. This nexus has seen a true reflection in the case of snake venom, whose industry was discovered and nurtured by men, and thus we owe it to the long future of some day, when its worth will accrue to all.

Call to Action

For the readers, awareness and advocacy make all the difference. Supporting initiatives that bring positive change to the Irula tribe and inform sustainable practices within the snake venom industry can bring about a future where both wildlife and human communities thrive. Share this knowledge with others, participate in local conservation efforts, and help bring much-needed attention to India's desperate requirements for snake venom.

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