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Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated a pioneering Animal Stem Cell BioBank and Laboratory at the National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB), Hyderabad, marking a milestone in India’s biotechnology landscape. This state-of-the-art facility, spanning 9,300 sq ft and developed at a cost of ₹1.85 crore, is India’s first dedicated to regenerative medicine and cellular therapies for livestock. It features advanced equipment including a stem cell culture unit, 3D bioprinter, cryostorage, and specialized labs, setting the stage for breakthrough research in disease modeling, tissue engineering, and reproductive biotechnology.
Alongside the inauguration, Dr. Singh laid the foundation stone for a new hostel block and Type-IV quarters costing ₹19.98 crore, intended to support NIAB’s research scholars, faculty, and staff, thereby nurturing a vibrant academic and innovation ecosystem.
Under the National Biopharma Mission (NBM), the facility will expand to enhance biobanking capabilities of animal stem cells and their derivatives. Dr. Singh hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for rolling out the Biotechnology BioE3 policy, which positions India as a frontrunner in this innovative domain.
The Minister also launched five groundbreaking veterinary diagnostic technologies to strengthen animal health management and combat antimicrobial resistance. These include kits and devices for rapid detection of brucellosis, mastitis, toxoplasmosis, Japanese encephalitis, and a portable antimicrobial sensitivity testing device delivering fast results to encourage judicious antibiotic use.
Emphasizing these developments as catalysts for boosting the agriculture-linked GDP and enabling an “Evergreen Revolution” in animal husbandry, Dr. Singh highlighted India’s unique integration of plant, animal, and human biotechnology sectors. He also pointed to the recently announced ₹1 lakh crore R&D fund under Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) as a key driver for enhancing private sector research and propelling India upward from being the world’s fourth-largest economy.
Addressing the farming community, Dr. Singh encouraged adoption of modern diagnostic and disease prevention measures to improve livestock health and increase farmers’ incomes. He praised NIAB Director Dr. Taru Sharma for her leadership in establishing India’s first animal stem cell biobank and expressed optimism about India’s advancing biotechnology sector.
Disclaimer: This article is based on the official statements and information released by the Press Information Bureau, Government of India, as of August 9, 2025.
