Hyderabad: In a groundbreaking step for India’s veterinary and biotechnology sectors, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh has inaugurated the country’s first Animal Stem Cell BioBank and Laboratory at the National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB), Hyderabad.
The 9,300 sq ft state-of-the-art Animal Stem Cell BioBank and Laboratory, constructed at a cost of ₹1.85 crore, is designed to spearhead research in regenerative medicine, cellular therapies, disease modelling, tissue engineering, and reproductive biotechnology for livestock.
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Featuring a stem cell culture unit, 3D bioprinter, bacterial culture lab, cryostorage, and advanced air handling systems, the laboratory is set to significantly advance indigenous capabilities in animal biotechnology.
Supported by the National Biopharma Mission (NBM) under DBT–BIRAC, the facility will be further expanded to biobank animal stem cells and their derivatives.
Alongside the inauguration, Dr Singh laid the foundation stone for a new hostel block and Type-IV quarters worth ₹19.98 crore, enhancing academic and research infrastructure for scholars, faculty, and staff.
Animal Stem Cell BioBank and Laboratory: Breakthrough Veterinary Innovations Launched
Dr Singh also unveiled five cutting-edge veterinary diagnostic tools aimed at strengthening disease management and supporting the ‘One Health’ approach:
- Rapid Brucellosis Detection Kit – DIVA-capable, field-deployable for early identification.
- Mastitis Detection Technology – Affordable on-site assay for dairy cattle.
- Antimicrobial Sensitivity Testing Device – Portable, two-hour results for responsible antibiotic use.
- Toxoplasmosis Detection Kit – High-sensitivity diagnostics for animal infections.
- Japanese Encephalitis Rapid Detection Kit – Indigenously developed for large-scale surveillance in animals and humans.
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Dr Singh credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Biotechnology BioE3 policy for giving India an early-mover advantage in this domain, stating, “We are entering a new phase where biotechnology will drive the next industrial revolution. This Animal Stem Cell BioBank and Laboratory puts India at the forefront of veterinary research.”
He further highlighted the transformative impact of the recently announced ₹1 lakh crore Anusandhan National Research Foundation Fund, designed to accelerate private-sector R&D, and stressed the need for greater farmer awareness about early disease detection to improve livestock productivity and rural incomes.
