Latest PIB Summaries (14th July 2025)
In a significant development, the "Workshop on Breed Development in India" was held in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh on 12 July 2025, chaired by the Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Panchayati Raj (FAHD&PR). The workshop highlighted several key initiatives aimed at modernising traditional medicine and enhancing the livestock sector.
In the realm of traditional medicine, recent advancements in integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) with India's Ayush systems, which encompass Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy, are proving instrumental in increasing their global relevance and scientific credibility. AI is enabling the development of Ayurgenomics, a fusion of Ayurveda principles with genomics, to provide personalised diagnostics and treatment. Machine learning models are used to identify medicinal plants and analyse compounds in traditional remedies, improving the accuracy and efficacy of treatments.
AI is also accelerating research and drug discovery by analysing complex data and predicting pharmacological activities, thereby driving evidence-based validation of ancient knowledge. Additionally, AI aids in standardising compound compatibility and formulation, enhancing the quality control of traditional medicine.
The workshop also emphasised the importance of increasing milk productivity and improving breed quality. A regional and technology-driven strategy for breed improvement was outlined, with a focus on genetic progress through modern breeding and AI/IVF integration. Emphasis was placed on performance recording and field-level breed selection, as well as the use of Artificial Insemination (AI), In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF), and Sex Sorted Semen (SSS).
Three infrastructure projects under the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) were launched during the workshop. These include Gyandhara Industries Pvt. Ltd (Amethi), Shri Chanchala Foods India Pvt. Ltd (Bareilly), and Brijwasi Keshav Milk Product (Mathura).
The livestock sector was highlighted as critical for national development and achieving SDG targets. The importance of Atma-Nirbharta (self-reliance) through indigenous breed development was emphasised. The objectives of the workshop included strengthening indigenous breed development, genetic improvement in livestock using advanced technologies, and promoting technology adoption and sustainable livestock practices.
The workshop also aimed to strengthen the rural economy and support the Doubling Farmers' Income vision. Women-led milk unions in Jhansi were cited as successful rural economic models. The workshop aligned India's livestock sector with global standards, advanced animal productivity, income generation, and sustainability.
The need for an FMD-free India was highlighted, as well as the promotion of a sustainable dairy model, natural farming, hygiene, and climate-sensitive livestock care. An Artificial Insemination Training Institute was inaugurated in Gorakhpur as part of these initiatives.
In conclusion, the workshop in Lucknow marked a significant step towards transforming India's traditional medicine practices and livestock sector through innovation and AI, with a focus on enhancing their scientific validity, personalisation, and global accessibility. These initiatives are expected to boost the credibility of traditional medicine, encourage international adoption, and support the holistic, preventive, and rehabilitative vision of traditional medicine amid modern healthcare demands.
- The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) with India's traditional medicine systems, such as Ayurveda and Unani, is crucial to boosting their global relevance and scientific credibility.
- AI is playing a vital role in the development of Ayurgenomics, a fusion of Ayurveda principles with genomics, which provides personalised diagnostics and treatment.
- Machine learning models in AI are improving the accuracy and efficacy of treatments in traditional medicine by identifying medicinal plants and analysing compounds in remedies.
- In the livestock sector, a regional and technology-driven strategy for breed improvement was outlined, which emphasises the use of AI, In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF), and Sex Sorted Semen (SSS) for genetic progress and breed quality enhancement.
- The livestock sector is crucial for achieving SDG targets and India's self-reliance (Atma-Nirbharta) through indigenous breed development was emphasised at the workshop.
- The workshop also aimed to strengthen the rural economy, aligning India's livestock sector with global standards, promoting technology adoption, and ensuring sustainable livestock practices for income generation and sustainability.
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