BL Agro to invest US$156.5M in cattle genetics, dairy technology

INDIA – India’s FMCG group BL Agro has announced an investment of Rs 1,500 crore (US$156.5M) in its biotechnology subsidiary Leads Genetics to develop an integrated cattle genetics and reproductive technology ecosystem aimed at improving cattle breeding and supporting the country’s dairy industry. 

The company is in discussions with Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh to replicate the model across other states. The announcement was made during the two-day Cattle Genomics Summit 2026 in Bareilly. 

BL Agro plans to invest in the states to establish an integrated dairy and genetics ecosystem comprising an in-house Breed Improvement Farm, IVF-ET Laboratory, Multiple Ovulation Embryo Transfer (MOET) facility, Pathology Laboratory and Genomics Laboratory. 

The facilities are intended to bring the complete breed-improvement value chain under one roof. The initiative forms part of BL Agro’s broader 360-degree milk value chain covering genetics, breeding, animal health, nutrition, milk production, processing and market linkages, supported by farmer extension and outreach programmes. 

The Cattle Genomics Summit, described as the first corporate-led event of its kind, brought together scientists, breeders, researchers and industry stakeholders to discuss genomics, IVF, advanced sequencing, genetic evaluation and data-driven breeding. 

Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla praised the work being undertaken by Leads Genetics and BL Agro in animal genetics and breeding. 

“Leads Genetics and BL Agro are doing highly commendable work at such a large scale. I truly appreciate the efforts of Dr. Ghanshyam Khandelwal and his companies, BL Agro and Leads Genetics in driving research and innovation in this field,” Shukla said. 

He added: “The company’s focus on advancing modern animal genetics, breeding technologies and scientific research in India is a progressive step towards strengthening the country’s dairy and livestock sector.” 

S.K. Aggarwal, Vice President of Operations at Leads Genetics, said the company’s work with genetically selected Gir cattle would support indigenous breeding programmes. 

“Our focus is to combine advanced genetics with scientific farm management to improve productivity, reproductive performance and the resilience of Indian cattle,” Aggarwal said. 

Dr Sarvannan Durairaj, Head of IVF-MOET at Leads Genetics, said the company was developing its Centre of Excellence to expand embryo-production technologies. 

“We are targeting production of 15,000 embryos per month by the end of 2027, creating the capacity to accelerate genetic improvement across India’s dairy sector,” he said. 

Leads Genetics said its initiatives are focused on producing elite bulls, embryos and sexed semen domestically while conserving and improving India’s indigenous cattle breeds. 

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