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India’s First Animal Stem Cell Biobank – NIAB, Hyderabad

11 Aug 2025 GS 3 Science & Technology
India’s First Animal Stem Cell Biobank – NIAB, Hyderabad Click to view full image


  • Context: Inaugurated on 9 August 2025 by Dr. Jitendra Singh (Union MoS – Independent Charge, Science & Technology, etc.)
  • Location: National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB), Hyderabad
  • Supporting Agency: Department of Biotechnology (DBT) under Ministry of Science & Technology
  • Associated Policy: Biotechnology BioE3 Policy (India as early initiator in emerging biotech)

Key Features of the Biobank & Laboratory

  • First-of-its-kind in India – dedicated to animal stem cells.

  • Focus Areas: Regenerative medicine, cellular therapies for livestock, reproductive biotechnology, disease modelling, and tissue engineering.

  • Built-up Area: 9,300 sq. ft.

  • Cost: ₹1.85 crore (initial phase).

  • Facilities:

    • Stem cell culture unit

    • 3D bioprinter

    • Bacterial culture lab

    • Cryostorage facilities

    • Advanced air handling systems

    • Uninterrupted power backup

  • Future Plan: Expansion via National Biopharma Mission (NBM) of DBT–BIRAC for large-scale biobanking of animal stem cells and derivatives.

Five Veterinary Diagnostic Technologies Released

  1. Rapid Detection of Brucellosis – Field-deployable, DIVA-capable kit for early, accurate Brucella detection.

  2. Mastitis Detection Technology – On-site assay for subclinical/clinical mastitis in dairy cattle.

  3. Antimicrobial Sensitivity Testing Device – Portable tool; results in 2 hours for responsible antibiotic use.

  4. Toxoplasmosis Detection Kit – Sensitive & specific test for Toxoplasma gondii infection in animals.

  5. Japanese Encephalitis Detection Kit – Rapid strip for large-scale animal & human surveillance.

Policy & Economic Significance

  • Supports:

    • “One Health” approach (integrating animal, human, environmental health)

    • Evergreen Revolution – productivity growth in animal husbandry

  • Impact:

    • Boosts livestock productivity

    • Reduces economic loss from animal diseases

    • Enhances agri-linked GDP (agriculture = 18% GDP; 60% workforce)

    • Every ₹1 spent on agricultural research yields ₹13 return

  • Funding Boost: Linked to ₹1 lakh crore RDI Fund under Anusandhan-National Research Foundation (ANRF) for private sector R&D.

Broader Vision

  • India already has human stem cell banks; now expanding to animal stem cells.

  • Potential future applications: space medicine, space physiology, biotechnological industrial revolution.

  • Part of DBT’s integration of plant–animal–human research ecosystem.

  • Farmer outreach to encourage adoption of modern diagnostics for brucellosis, mastitis, toxoplasmosis.





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