India and Brazil have formalised a landmark tripartite partnership to advance dairy cattle and buffalo genomics through a cross-continental genetic improvement programme aimed at transforming global dairy sustainability. The agreement represents the first-ever B2G collaboration between the two nations in this domain and marks Embrapa’s inaugural private-sector partnership in India.
The MoU and corresponding Technical Cooperation Project were signed at the Embassy of India in Brasilia between Embrapa, Brazil’s national agricultural research organisation, Fazenda Floresta and DNAMark from Brazil, and the Indian consortium comprising Leads Genetics Pvt. Ltd, B.L. Kamdhenu Farms Ltd, and Leads Connect Services Pvt. Ltd.
This collaboration aims to establish India’s first dedicated Cattle and Buffalo Genomics Laboratory, integrating Brazil’s advanced genetic technologies with India’s extensive dairy ecosystem and indigenous breeds. The programme focuses on enhancing key bovine species—Bos indicus, Bos taurus, and Bubalus bubalis—to improve milk yield, reproductive efficiency, and climate resilience.
As part of the initiative, India has commenced the first-ever import of pure Gir bovine embryos from Brazil, alongside the establishment of a state-of-the-art IVF and embryo transfer facility based on Brazilian Gir genetics. This marks the beginning of a transformative genetic improvement model that will be scaled nationwide.
Uttar Pradesh, India’s largest milk-producing state, will serve as the launchpad for this Indo–Brazil partnership. The region is expected to benefit significantly through improved tropical dairy genetics, strengthened rural livelihoods, higher farmer incomes, and accelerated adoption of agri-tech and dairy-tech innovations before the model expands to other states.
The collaboration brings together Embrapa’s scientific leadership, Fazenda Floresta’s genetic expertise, and the BL and Leads Group ecosystem in India. The programme will be anchored at B.L. Kamdhenu Farms’ 10,000-head Integrated Model Dairy Farm in Bareilly, which is evolving into a multi-location Centre of Excellence for Indigenous Cattle Genetics and Circular Dairy Economy, equipped with genomics labs, IVF capabilities, and farmer outreach networks.
This strategic South–South alliance positions India and Brazil as global partners in sustainable dairy development, with long-term benefits expected for farmers, researchers, and food security systems worldwide.
