Source: BL
Context:
India and Brazil signed a tripartite MoU to advance dairy cattle and buffalo genomics through a first-of-its-kind cross-continental genetic improvement program. The agreement was signed at the Embassy of India in Brasília between:
- Brazil: Embrapa (state-owned agricultural research under MAPA), Fazenda Floresta & DNAMark
- India: Leads Genetics Pvt. Ltd, B.L. Kamdhenu Farms Ltd, Leads Connect Services Pvt. Ltd
This marks Embrapa’s first private partnership in India, highlighting strategic convergence in livestock innovation, food security, and cattle genetics leadership.
Objectives
- Establish a state-of-the-art Cattle & Buffalo Genomics Laboratory in India.
- Combine Brazil’s advanced genetic technologies with India’s dairy ecosystem, indigenous breeds, and modern agri-tech infrastructure.
- Focus on key species: Bos indicus, Bos taurus, Bubalus bubalis.
- Enhance milk production, reproductive efficiency, and climate resilience of Indian livestock.
Key Features
- First B2G (Business-to-Government) Collaboration between India and Brazil in bovine genomics.
- Initial implementation in Uttar Pradesh, India’s largest milk-producing state.
- Integration of tropical dairy genetics and climate-resilient breeds.
- Scientific infrastructure:
- B.L. Kamdhenu Farms’ 10,000-head Integrated Model Dairy Farm, Bareilly
- Multi-location Centre of Excellence for Indigenous Cattle Genetics & Circular Dairy Economy
- Genomics labs, IVF facilities, and farmer networks
Significance
- Livestock Productivity: Improved milk yield and reproductive performance.
- Farmer Empowerment: Data-driven breeding and circular dairy economy practices.
- Scientific Excellence: Strengthens India’s capacity in genomics and sustainable dairy innovation.
- Global Collaboration: Positions India and Brazil as leaders in tropical dairy genetics.
