Hyderabad— Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, inaugurated India’s first-of-its-kind Animal Stem Cell Biobank and Laboratory at the National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB), Hyderabad. The state-of-the-art facility aims to revolutionise veterinary medicine through regenerative therapies, advanced diagnostics, and innovative biotechnological research.
Alongside the biobank inauguration, the Minister laid the foundation stone for a new hostel block and Type-IV quarters worth ₹19.98 crore, approved by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT). The infrastructure will serve research scholars, faculty, and staff, fostering a vibrant innovation ecosystem at NIAB.
Spread over 9,300 sq ft and built at a cost of ₹1.85 crore, the Animal Stem Cell Laboratory is equipped with a stem cell culture unit, 3D bioprinter, bacterial culture lab, cryostorage, autoclave rooms, and advanced air handling systems. Supported by the National Biopharma Mission (NBM) under DBT–BIRAC, the facility will expand into biobanking of animal stem cells and derivatives, supporting breakthroughs in disease modelling, tissue engineering, and reproductive biotechnology.
Dr. Jitendra Singh also unveiled five innovative diagnostic tools:
Rapid Detection of Brucellosis – Field-deployable kit for early Brucella detection.
Mastitis Detection Technology – Low-cost on-site test for dairy cattle.
Antimicrobial Sensitivity Testing Device – Portable tool for two-hour results to combat antibiotic resistance.
Toxoplasmosis Detection Kit – Sensitive and specific test for livestock.
Japanese Encephalitis Detection Kit – Rapid strip for large-scale animal and human surveillance.
These innovations align with the government’s ‘One Health’ approach, enhancing livestock productivity and contributing to an “Evergreen Revolution” in agriculture.
The Minister credited PM Narendra Modi’s Biotechnology BioE3 policy for enabling India to become an early leader in the sector. He highlighted the newly announced ₹1 lakh crore Anusandhan National Research Foundation Fund (ANRF) to boost private R&D, predicting India’s rise to the top ranks of the global economy.
Dr. Singh also emphasised the DBT’s unique role in integrating plant, animal, and human research, with future prospects in space medicine and space physiology.
During his interaction with farmers, the Minister urged adoption of modern diagnostics for diseases like brucellosis, mastitis, and toxoplasmosis. He stressed that early detection not only safeguards animal health but also boosts rural incomes. Commending NIAB Director Dr. Taru Sharma, he noted that while India has human stem cell facilities, this is the first dedicated biobank for animal cells.
