PM Modi inaugurates India’s first indigenous sex-sorted semen facility

INDIA – Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated Northeast India’s first indigenous bovine sex-sorted semen processing facility, marking a significant stride toward enhancing milk productivity and empowering small-scale farmers across Eastern and North-Eastern India.

The facility, backed by US$1.135 million (₹10 crore) in central funding, is housed within the Purnia Semen Station—one of the largest government-run semen stations in the country.

It has a capacity to produce 5 lakh doses annually and is equipped with GauSort, an indigenous sex-sorting technology developed through collaboration between the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), IISc Bengaluru, and IIT Madras2.

GauSort ensures an 85–90% probability of producing female calves, a breakthrough that promises to reduce the economic burden of maintaining unproductive male calves.

By increasing the number of female calves, the technology is expected to boost milk production and improve the livelihoods of small and marginal farmers. To ensure accessibility, the price per dose has been fixed at an affordable ₹250.

Speaking at the inauguration, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the transformative potential of science and innovation in rural development.

“GauSort represents the power of Indian science in addressing the needs of our farmers. This facility will not only boost milk production but also empower small and marginal farmers with higher incomes and better livelihoods,” he stated.

Additionally, the facility aims to sustainably enhance bovine productivity and milk production, promote the use of high genetic merit bulls, expand artificial insemination (AI) coverage, and scientifically conserve and promote indigenous cattle and buffalo breeds.

The inauguration of this facility aligns with the government’s broader vision of Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat, showcasing India’s growing capabilities in reproductive biotechnology.

It also reinforces the country’s position as the world’s largest milk producer, while paving the way for more sustainable and efficient dairy farming practices.

This indigenous breakthrough comes at a time when India’s dairy sector is under pressure to enhance productivity per animal, improve sustainability, and reduce resource inefficiencies.

Sex-sorted semen, long used in developed dairy markets, is now being domestically manufactured and made affordable, ensuring scalability and equitable access.

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