Guwahati: Assam has achieved a significant milestone in veterinary science with the birth of what has been described as the world’s first female calf of the indigenous Lakhimi cattle breed produced through in vitro fertilisation (IVF), with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announcing the development on Saturday, August 22, and calling it a landmark achievement for the state.
Sarma said the breakthrough represents a convergence of Assam’s “Sabhyata, Sanskriti and Srijan” and could create fresh opportunities for the state’s livestock and dairy sectors.
According to the chief minister, the use of advanced reproductive technology could play an important role in conserving Assam’s indigenous cattle breeds while also supporting efforts to improve disease management and milk production.
The development could also help raise the earnings of farmers who depend on dairy farming, Sarma said.
Congratulating the veterinary scientists and professionals involved in the achievement, the chief minister said their work could mark the beginning of a new phase for Assam’s dairy industry.
“She may be a tiny calf, but she carries a huge milestone for biotechnology in our State,” Sarma said.
The IVF birth is expected to strengthen ongoing efforts to conserve and improve indigenous cattle through advanced breeding and reproductive technologies.
The achievement is also being viewed as an important development for livestock research and veterinary science in Assam, with potential implications for the state’s dairy economy.