Hyderabad: Union Minister of State Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh on Saturday inaugurated India’s first-of-its-kind State-of-the-Art Animal Stem Cell Biobank and Animal Stem Cell Laboratory at the National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB) in Hyderabad.
The cutting-edge facility of Animal BioBank , spread over 9,300 sq ft and constructed at a cost of Rs.1.85 crore, will focus on regenerative medicine and cellular therapies for livestock. Equipped with a stem cell culture unit, 3D bioprinter, bacterial culture lab, cryostorage, autoclave rooms, advanced air handling systems, and uninterrupted power backup, the laboratory will advance research in disease modelling, tissue engineering, and reproductive biotechnology.
With support from the National Biopharma Mission (NBM) of DBT–BIRAC, the facility will be expanded to enable biobanking of animal stem cells and their derivatives.
The Minister hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s futuristic vision which had enabled the rolling out of Biotechnology BioE3 policy, thus giving India the advantage of being an early initiator in this area. In addition, during the programme, Dr. Jitendra Singh launched five innovative veterinary diagnostic tools designed to revolutionise animal health management and support the ‘One Health’ approach:
Rapid Detection of Brucellosis is a field-deployable, DIVA-capable diagnostic kit for early and accurate detection of Brucella species while Mastitis Detection Technology is a cost-effective on-site diagnostic assay for subclinical and clinical mastitis in dairy cattle.
Antimicrobial Sensitivity Testing Device is a portable tool providing results within two hours to promote responsible antibiotic use while Toxoplasmosis Detection Kit is a sensitive and specific test for Toxoplasma gondii infection in animals.
Japanese Encephalitis Detection Kit is an indigenously developed rapid strip for large-scale surveillance in animals and humans.
The Minister emphasised that these innovations will boost agriculture-linked GDP, enhance livestock productivity, and pave the way for an “Evergreen Revolution” in the animal husbandry sector.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Jitendra Singh said, “I’m glad the entire Department of Biotechnology, under the leadership of Dr. Rajesh Gokhale, is contributing to making India future-ready. We will not lag behind when the next industrial revolution—driven by biotechnology—takes over.
The economy will shift from manufacturing to regenerative and genetic processes, and India has already initiated this transition. This is one of the best times, with enabling support from policymakers, particularly the Prime Minister, who understood the long-term relevance of initiatives like the Bio E3 policy.”
Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted that the Department of Biotechnology uniquely integrates the plant, animal, and human worlds under one umbrella. He cited India’s contributions to space-based experiments, including collaborations with the Department of Space, and envisioned emerging fields such as space medicine and space physiology.
On the agricultural front, he said, “These releases mark a new phase of animal-based agricultural productivity—an ‘Evergreen Revolution’. With 18 per cent of GDP from agriculture and 60 per cent of our workforce depending on it, innovations in veterinary health will have a transformative impact. One rupee spent on agricultural research yields a return of Rs.13, and linking industry partners from day one ensures these technologies reach the ground.”
He stressed the need for awareness among farmers about diseases like brucellosis, mastitis, and toxoplasmosis, noting that many livestock owners remain unaware of diagnostic and therapeutic options.
