Assam: Guwahati gets North-East’s first IVF laboratory

A major breakthrough has been achieved in the livestock and dairy sector of Northeast India with the launch of the region's first In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) laboratory in Guwahati. The state-of-the-art facility, established with an investment of Rs 28.93 crore under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM), is designed to improve bovine breeding efficiency using advanced reproductive technologies.

This cutting-edge laboratory will enable scientists and veterinary professionals to produce high-quality embryos, enhancing cattle productivity, conserving indigenous breeds, and supporting dairy farmers in the region. Additionally, a Professional Training Institute in Assam's Lakhimpur will provide capacity-building and skill development opportunities for veterinarians, AI technicians, and farmers.

The IVF laboratory is part of a larger national program initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which includes projects worth Rs 947 crore and additional projects worth Rs 219 crore across the livestock, dairy, and allied sectors. The government's efforts aim to promote animal husbandry, fish farming, and beekeeping, thereby increasing farmers' income and empowering small farmers and landless families.

Alongside the IVF laboratory, several major dairy infrastructure initiatives were inaugurated under the National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD). Furthermore, 10 new projects worth Rs 303.81 crore were launched under the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) to strengthen India's animal feed and milk processing infrastructure.

Notably, the Pradhan Mantri Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana (PM-DDKY) has achieved a significant milestone, with over 125 crore vaccines administered free of cost to protect animals from diseases like Foot and Mouth Disease. These initiatives are expected to significantly improve the adoption of scientific breeding practices and modern dairy management in the Northeast, marking a substantial leap in the region's livestock research and dairy productivity.