This facility aims to drive sustainability, food security and rural livelihoods through cutting-edge research

Leads Agri Genetics, a subsidiary of Leads Connect, has launched India’s first privately-owned Integrated centre of excellence for cattle and plant genomics, positioning the facility as both a scientific milestone and a corporate social responsibility (CSR)-driven initiative aimed at boosting farmer welfare and food security.
The centre was inaugurated by Ghanshyam Khandelwal, Chairman of BL Agro, the holding company of Leads Connect. He said genomics has a direct role in raising farm productivity and yields, and that the benefits would extend beyond farming households to society at large.

Navneet Ravikar, Group Chairman and Managing Director, Leads Connect Services, called the facility a response to rising climate pressures and sustainability challenges. “Our centre of excellence for cattle and plant genomics is a landmark step towards self-reliance in agricultural biotechnology. With world-class genomic capabilities, we aim to empower researchers, breeders and farmers to innovate faster, build resilience, and create a sustainable future for agriculture,” he said.

The centre will provide a full-stack genomics platform, integrating sequencing, genotyping and bioinformatics. According to the company, the lab’s tools will enable precision breeding and support sustainable practices by cutting resource use, improving crop varieties and strengthening livestock resilience.

Ashish Dubey, Chief Business Officer of the centre and co-founder of Redcliffe Labs, emphasised the social purpose behind the investment. “Genomics has transformed science in the last decade, and agriculture stands to benefit immensely. Our focus is on end-to-end solutions that impact productivity, sustainability and food security,” he said.

The company has also become the first private Indian player to import Gir embryos from Brazil under a Breed Improvement Programme, opening the door for genetic upgrades in native livestock. Industry observers see the move as an attempt to combine advanced research with rural empowerment, giving farmers access to higher-yield breeds and sustainable practices.

By linking genomics innovation to social outcomes, the centre positions itself as more than a laboratory venture. Leads Agri Genetics says it intends to make genomics a driver of CSR, enabling long-term value for both farming communities and India’s agricultural economy.