Four medically important venomous snake species found in Gujarat are Indian cobra, common krait, Russell’s viper and saw-scaled viper.
Gujarat has moved a step closer to developing its first region-specific anti-snake venom after the Snake Research Institute (SRI) at Dharampur in Valsad district handed over lyophilised (freeze-dried) venom from the four medically important venomous snake species found in the State to a licensed manufacturer for production.
Last week, the SRI, which functions under the Gujarat Forestry Research Foundation (GFRF), supplied the venom purchased through an e-auction to Telangana-based M/s Vins Bioproducts Limited. The company develops life-saving antisera for snake and scorpion bites, as well as antitoxins for tetanus, diphtheria, and gangrene. The consignment comprised 33.37 grams of Indian cobra venom, 2.67 grams of common krait venom, 30.82 grams of Russell’s viper venom, and 1.71 grams of saw-scaled viper venom.
Officials said the first batch of the region-specific anti-venom is expected to be available within a year and added it would significantly strengthen snakebite treatment in the State and contribute to India’s goal of reducing snakebite deaths by 50 % by 2030.
State Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia said Gujarat is committed to developing a region-specific anti-venom to reduce snakebite-related deaths.
“We are committed to developing our own region-specific anti-venom to reduce snakebite-related deaths in the State. The SRI follows the World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines for snake handling and venom extraction, ensuring the production of venom for anti-venom development,” he said.
According to officials, region-specific anti-venom is developed using venom collected from snakes found in a particular geographical area. They said venom composition can vary across regions, affecting the effectiveness of anti-venom produced using venom sourced from other parts of the country.
GFRF director S.K. Srivastava said snakebites account for more fatalities than any other form of human-wildlife conflict in India.
“As per available official statistics, 550 people died in wildlife attacks across the country in 2022, whereas nearly 65,000 people lost their lives to snakebites during the same period,” he said, adding that region-specific anti-venom is expected to require lower doses and improve treatment outcomes.
SRI vice-chairman Dr. D.C. Patel said the institute collects venom from venomous snake species found across Gujarat to support the development of anti-venom tailored to the State’s snake population.
The institute currently houses around 471 venomous snakes representing the major medically important species found in Gujarat. Venom is extracted in accordance with WHO guidelines, processed and converted into lyophilised form before being supplied to licensed manufacturers.
The SRI is the second institution in India, after the Irula Snake Catchers’ Industrial Co-operative Society in Tamil Nadu, to extract venom for anti-venom manufacturing, according to the GFRF.
Officials said the initiative is aligned with the Central government’s National Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming (NAP-SE), launched in 2024. According to the government, India became the first country to adopt a national action plan aimed at reducing snakebite deaths and disabilities by 50 % by 2030, in line with the WHO’s global strategy.
Published – July 05, 2026 06:05 pm IST
