India’s first state-of-the-art Animal Stem Cell Biobank and Laboratory has been inaugurated by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr Jitendra Singh, at the National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB) in Hyderabad. The minister also laid the foundation stone for a new hostel block and Type-IV quarters at NIAB, sanctioned by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) at a cost of INR 19.98 crore. This infrastructure aims to support research scholars, faculty and staff, fostering a dynamic environment for innovation and academic growth.
The Animal BioBank facility, spread across 9,300 square feet and constructed at a cost of INR 1.85 crore, is equipped for advanced research in regenerative medicine and cellular therapies for livestock. Featuring a stem cell culture unit, 3D bioprinter, bacterial culture lab, cryostorage, autoclave rooms, advanced air handling systems and uninterrupted power backup, the facility will focus on disease modelling, tissue engineering and reproductive biotechnology. It will be expanded under the National Biopharma Mission (NBM) of DBT–BIRAC to enable biobanking of animal stem cells and their derivatives.
Dr Singh also launched five innovative veterinary diagnostic tools aimed at revolutionising animal health management in line with the ‘One Health’ approach. These include a rapid brucellosis detection kit, a mastitis detection assay, a portable antimicrobial sensitivity testing device, a toxoplasmosis detection kit and an indigenously developed Japanese encephalitis detection strip for large-scale surveillance in both animals and humans. The minister noted that such technologies will boost agriculture-linked GDP, improve livestock productivity and support an “Evergreen Revolution” in the animal husbandry sector.
Highlighting India’s preparedness for the biotechnology-driven industrial revolution, Dr Singh said the country has already begun transitioning from manufacturing to regenerative and genetic processes. He pointed to the recently announced INR 1 lakh crore RDI fund under the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), which will significantly strengthen private sector R&D and help accelerate India’s economic growth.
Dr Singh also underlined the Department of Biotechnology’s unique role in integrating plant, animal and human research under one umbrella, while exploring emerging fields such as space medicine and space physiology. With agriculture contributing 18 percent to India’s GDP and employing 60 percent of the workforce, he said innovations in veterinary health have the potential to transform rural economies, noting that every INR 1 spent on agricultural research yields a return of INR 13.
Commending NIAB Director Dr Taru Sharma for spearheading the establishment of the facility, he said that while India has long had stem cell infrastructure for human research, there has been a gap in the animal sector. He urged farmers to adopt modern diagnostic tools and preventive measures, emphasising that early disease detection not only saves animal lives but also increases farm incomes.
