The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has developed India’s first indigenous African swine fever (ASF) vaccine for pigs. The ASF, caused by the African swine fever virus, is considered as one of the most devastating trans-boundary animal diseases affecting domestic and wild pigs worldwide. The ICAR termed the development as a “major leap” in animal health.

Director General of ICAR M.L. Jat said the breakthrough marks the dawn of a new era in veterinary science. “It reflects India’s growing scientific capability to develop world-class animal health solutions and paves the way for a new generation of indigenously developed vaccines and innovative technologies that will strengthen livestock health, enhance disease preparedness, and support the nation’s food and biosecurity,” he said.

Scientists at ICAR-National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (ICAR-NIHSAD), Bhopal, have developed the vaccine using a novel attenuated “ASFV Genotype II virus”. “The vaccine has successfully undergone comprehensive laboratory evaluation, including sterility, purity, safety, genetic stability, immunogenicity, protective efficacy and virulence reversion studies,” the Union Agriculture Ministry said in a statement.

Helps pig farming sector

The vaccine is recommended for healthy pigs above eight weeks of age and is administered as a 1 millilitre (ml) intramuscular injection, followed by a booster dose 14 days after the primary vaccination. “The indigenous vaccine is expected to substantially reduce pig mortality, minimise economic losses and improve the livelihoods of pig farmers across the country. By providing an effective preventive tool against one of the world’s most destructive livestock diseases, it will significantly strengthen India’s animal health security and support the sustainable growth of the pig farming sector,” the Ministry said.

The ASF’s mortality rates may approach 100% and the disease has caused “severe socio-economic losses” to the global pig farming sector. “Since its first detection in India in 2020, ASF has spread to several States and Union Territories, resulting in massive pig mortality, disruption of pig production, restrictions on animal movement and trade, and significant livelihood losses for smallholder pig farmers, particularly in the Northeastern region,” the Ministry said in the release.

The Ministry said in the absence of an effective treatment or a commercially approved vaccine in India, disease control has largely relied on rapid diagnosis, culling of infected animals and strict biosecurity measures. “The economic impact of ASF outbreaks in India has been significant. During the initial outbreaks in Assam in 2020 and 2021, pig mortality and culling resulted in estimated losses of approximately ₹276 crore. In Mizoram, ASF outbreaks have reportedly affected more than 11,382 households up to 2025, resulting in an estimated financial loss of approximately ₹982 crore,” the Ministry said.

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday (February 8, 2026) said India aims to achieve self-reliance in the production of fruits, vegetables, and flowers, asserting that imports in these sectors would no longer be necessary.

Addressing a review meeting with officials at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR) here, Mr. Chouhan said the focus was on identifying high-demand crops and ensuring their domestic production is profitable for farmers.

Outlining the government’s approach, he said, “Two or three things are our target. We will not import fruits, flowers, and vegetables. We have to become self-reliant in this field.”

The Union Minister for Rural Development, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare noted that India had already made significant progress, calling current production levels “historic.” Referring to crops previously dependent on imports, Mr. Chouhan said, “We were importing avocado; now we have started producing it.”

He stressed the need to extend this approach to other emerging crops, adding, “We have to become self-reliant in dragon fruits.” He said officials had been directed to identify fruits that must be produced domestically and to promote their cultivation among farmers.

“I have told officials to identify fruits which have to be produced in India. We will encourage farmers to grow them,” he said, underlining that profitability would be the key driver.

“They will take up production only when it is profitable,” he added. On vegetables, Mr. Chouhan said India does not face any compulsion to import. “In terms of vegetables, there is no situation requiring imports,” he said.

Highlighting post-harvest challenges, the Minister said shelf life remained a major concern for farmers.

“Another problem faced by our farmers is shelf life. They want to increase the shelf life of tomatoes,” he said, adding that similar demands were emerging for other crops. “Now they are demanding an increase in custard apple’s shelf life,” he said.

Reiterating the broader vision, Mr. Chouhan said self-reliance in agriculture was essential for a self-reliant India.

“For a self-reliant India, we have to be self-reliant in vegetables and flowers as well. We will not import them,” he said, adding that research would focus on farmer-friendly varieties capable of delivering profits.