Guwahati, August 22, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Assam has achieved a significant milestone in livestock biotechnology with the birth of what Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma described as the world’s first IVF-born female calf of the indigenous Lakhimi cattle breed.
Sarma announced the development on social media on Saturday, describing it as a convergence of Assam’s “Sabhyata, Sanskriti and Srijan” and saying it could open new possibilities for the state’s livestock and dairy sectors.
The calf was born at the IVF Laboratory of the College of Veterinary Science under the Assam Veterinary and Fishery University at Khanapara in Guwahati. The laboratory was established with support from the Rashtriya Gokul Mission.
The achievement is considered important for the conservation of Lakhimi cattle, an indigenous breed of Assam. Assisted reproductive technologies such as IVF and embryo transfer can facilitate faster multiplication of genetically superior animals while helping preserve valuable indigenous genetic resources.
According to Sarma, the technology could contribute to indigenous breed conservation, improved disease management and increased milk productivity. In the longer term, such interventions are expected to strengthen Assam’s dairy economy and improve the livelihoods of livestock farmers.
“My heartiest congratulations to all the veterinary scientists and professionals behind this historic achievement,” Sarma said, adding that their work could usher in a new era for Assam’s dairy sector.
He described the newborn calf as small in size but significant as a scientific achievement for the state’s biotechnology ecosystem.
The development builds on Assam’s efforts to expand assisted reproductive technologies in livestock. Earlier this year, scientists at the veterinary college produced Assam’s first IVF-born calf, a female Gir calf born in Sonapur, demonstrating the application of embryo-transfer technology under field conditions.
Scientists have highlighted the potential of such technologies to accelerate the multiplication of superior genetic stock, improve milk productivity and support dairy farmers’ incomes.
The Lakhimi calf therefore represents both a livestock biotechnology achievement and an effort to conserve Assam’s indigenous cattle resources. Sarma concluded his message by invoking “Gau Mata” and said the achievement carried significance beyond the birth of a single calf.
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