Excelsior Correspondent
HYDERABAD, Aug 9: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh today inaugurated India’s first and the only State-of-the-Art “Animal Stem Cell Biobank” and Animal Stem Cell Laboratory at the “National Institute of Animal Biotechnology” (NIAB), Hyderabad.
The Minister also laid the foundation stone of a multi crore new hostel block and Type-IV quarters at NIAB, approved by the Department of Biotechnology. The infrastructure will cater to the needs of research scholars, faculty, and staff, fostering a vibrant academic and innovation ecosystem.
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 PM 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.
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 Prime Minister Narendra Modi, 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.
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 option
On the sidelines, Dr. Jitendra Singh interacted with farmers, underscoring Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s priority for farmer welfare and rural prosperity. He urged livestock owners to adopt modern diagnostic tools and disease prevention measures, highlighting that early detection not only saves animal lives but also boosts farmers’ income.
He also commended Director NIAB Dr. Taru Sharma for her role in establishing India’s first animal stem cell Biobank, remarking that,”We had such facilities for human stem cells, but hardly any for animal cells. The best of NIAB, and the best of Indian biotechnology, is yet to come.”
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