Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], August 9 (ANI): Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Atomic Energy and Space, Jitendra Singh, on Saturday inaugurated India’s first-of-its-kind State-of-the-Art Animal Stem Cell Biobank and Animal Stem Cell Laboratory on the National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB), Hyderabad.
As per the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Minister additionally laid the muse stone of a brand new hostel block and Type-IV quarters at NIAB, accepted by the Department of Biotechnology at a complete price of Rs 19.98 crore. The infrastructure will cater to the wants of analysis students, college, and employees, fostering a vibrant educational and innovation ecosystem.
The cutting-edge facility of Animal BioBank, unfold over 9,300 sq ft and constructed at a value of Rs 1.85 crore, will deal with regenerative medication and mobile therapies for livestock. Equipped with a stem cell tradition unit, 3D bioprinter, bacterial tradition lab, cryostorage, autoclave rooms, superior air dealing with techniques, and uninterrupted energy backup, the laboratory will advance analysis in illness modelling, tissue engineering, and reproductive biotechnology.
With assist from the National Biopharma Mission (NBM) of DBT-BIRAC, the power will probably be expanded to allow biobanking of animal stem cells and their derivatives.
The Minister hailed PM Narendra Modi’s futuristic imaginative and prescient, which had enabled the rolling out of the Biotechnology BioE3 coverage, thus giving India the benefit of being an early initiator on this space.
In addition, throughout the programme, Jitendra Singh launched 5 revolutionary veterinary diagnostic instruments designed to revolutionise animal well being administration and assist the ‘One Health’ strategy, together with Rapid Detection of Brucellosis – A field-deployable, DIVA-capable diagnostic equipment for early and correct detection of Brucella species, Mastitis Detection Technology – A cheap on-site diagnostic assay for subclinical and medical mastitis in dairy cattle, Antimicrobial Sensitivity Testing Device – A transportable device offering outcomes inside two hours to advertise accountable antibiotic use, Toxoplasmosis Detection Kit – A delicate and particular check for Toxoplasma gondii an infection in animals, Japanese Encephalitis Detection Kit – An indigenously developed fast strip for large-scale surveillance in animals and people, the Minister emphasised that these improvements will increase agriculture-linked GDP, improve livestock productiveness, and pave the way in which for an ‘Evergreen Revolution’ within the animal husbandry sector.
Addressing the gathering, Singh stated, ‘I’m glad the complete Department of Biotechnology, beneath the management of Dr Rajesh Gokhale, is contributing to creating India future-ready. We won’t lag behind when the following industrial revolution–driven by biotechnology–takes over. The financial system will shift from manufacturing to regenerative and genetic processes, and India has already initiated this transition. This is among the finest occasions, with enabling assist from policymakers, notably Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who understood the long-term relevance of initiatives just like the Bio E3 coverage.’
He added that the just lately introduced Rs 1 lakh crore RDI fund beneath the Anusandhan National Research Foundation Fund (ANRF) will give a particular increase to personal sector R&D, enabling India to maneuver from the world’s fourth-largest financial system in the direction of the highest rank.
The Union Minister highlighted that the Department of Biotechnology uniquely integrates the plant, animal, and human worlds beneath one umbrella. He cited India’s contributions to space-based experiments, together with collaborations with the Department of Space, and envisioned rising fields corresponding to area medication and area physiology.
On the agricultural entrance, he stated, ‘These releases mark a brand new part of animal-based agricultural productivity–an ‘Evergreen Revolution’. With 18 per cent of GDP from agriculture and 60 per cent of our workforce relying on it, improvements in veterinary well being could have a transformative influence. One rupee spent on agricultural analysis yields a return of Rs 13, and linking business companions from day one ensures these applied sciences attain the bottom.’
He pressured the necessity for consciousness amongst farmers about illnesses like brucellosis, mastitis, and toxoplasmosis, noting that many livestock house owners stay unaware of diagnostic and therapeutic choices.
On the sidelines, Singh interacted with farmers, underscoring Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s precedence for farmer welfare and rural prosperity. He urged livestock house owners to undertake trendy diagnostic instruments and illness prevention measures, highlighting that early detection not solely saves animal lives but additionally boosts farm incomes.
He additionally counseled Director NIAB Dr Taru Sharma for her function in establishing India’s first animal stem cell biobank, remarking that, ‘We had such services for human stem cells, however hardly any for animal cells. The better of NIAB, and the very best of Indian biotechnology are but to come back.’ (ANI)