Assam's historic feat: World's first IVF calf of Lakhimi breed born

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma lauded the birth of the world's first IVF Lakhimi calf as a historic milestone. Separately, the state launched a new hydrocarbon policy to boost energy production, praised by Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri.

Historic Feat in Biotechnology

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday hailed the birth of the world's first IVF female calf of the indigenous Lakhimi breed, describing it as a historic achievement and a significant milestone for livestock conservation, dairy production and biotechnology in the state.

In a post on X, Sarma said the achievement represented a convergence of "Sabhyata, Sanskriti & Srijan" and highlighted the potential of the breakthrough for Assam's livestock and dairy sector. "Today Assam has achieved something historic - a beautiful convergence of Sabhyata, Sanskriti & Srijan. The world's first IVF female calf of the Lakhimi breed - native to Assam - has been born at the Assam Veterinary and Fishery University," Sarma said.

He said the development could help in conserving indigenous breeds, improving disease control and enhancing milk productivity, thereby contributing to higher incomes for farmers.

"My heartiest congratulations to all the veterinary scientists and professionals behind this historic achievement. Their work has the potential to usher in a new era for Assam's dairy sector. She may be a tiny calf, but she carries a huge milestone for biotechnology in our State," he added.

New Policy to Strengthen Energy Sector

The development comes as Assam also moves to strengthen its position in the energy sector with the implementation of the Assam Hydrocarbon Exploration, Production and Upstream Ecosystem Development Policy, 2026.

Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri welcomed the policy, describing it as a significant step towards strengthening India's energy security and advancing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of an energy self-reliant India.

"Assam, which gave birth to India's petroleum industry, now stands ready to power the next chapter of India's energy journey towards Aatmanirbharta," Puri said in a post on X.

Puri thanked Sarma for leading the initiative and said the policy would help attract investment and accelerate oil and natural gas exploration and production in Assam. The policy seeks to create an investor-friendly framework by facilitating clearances, reducing procedural hurdles and encouraging advanced exploration technologies. It will remain in force for 10 years from the date of notification unless modified, superseded or withdrawn earlier.

Responding to Puri, Sarma said Assam would continue to build on its hydrocarbon legacy through innovation. "Assam's first-mover advantage in hydrocarbon exploration gave us a head start, but we don't intend to rest on it - continuous innovation is what will keep us ahead," Sarma said. He added that Assam would continue contributing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a 'Viksit Bharat'. (ANI)

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