Venom from Gujarat’s snakes go under the hammer; e-auction to help create state-specific antivenom

Gujarat’s most venomous snakes went under the digital hammer this week, as Dharampur’s Snake Research Institute (SRI) conducted an e-auction of venom from the state’s deadliest species to help fight snakebite deaths. The auction included venom from Indian Cobra, Common Krait, Russell’s Viper, and Saw-scaled Viper—the snakes responsible for the majority of fatalities in Gujarat. Officials said the high-quality venom fetched prices above expectations, highlighting both its rarity and its critical role in producing life-saving antivenom.

“The venom extracted from these snakes housed at SRI is of higher quality because we follow World Health Organization guidelines for extraction and handling. This ensures the antivenom made from it is more effective in treating snakebite victims,” stated Dr. D C Patel, Vice-Chairman of SRI and a general surgeon with 35 years of experience treating snakebite cases, in an official release from the state government. Over the years, Dr Patel has documented thousands of cases and claims a treatment success rate of over 98 per cent.

Housed in Dharampur, Valsad district, SRI is home to over 460 venomous snakes representing different regions of Gujarat. The institute’s serpentarium adheres to WHO standards and modern venom-processing technology, producing lyophilized (powdered) venom suitable for antivenom manufacturers. The e-auction this week marks a crucial step in the state’s effort to develop region-specific antivenom, addressing a persistent problem: venom from distant regions often makes antivenom less effective.

“One of the key challenges in treating snake bites is that venom varies geographically. Antivenom prepared using venom from outside the region often fails to produce optimal results. By focusing on species native to Gujarat, we can create antivenom tailored to local needs,” Dr Patel explained. Beyond research, SRI is building capacity at the grassroots level. Nearly 1,500 doctors and medical officers across 23 districts have received training in snakebite management, alongside around 300 local snake rescuers. The institute also conducts awareness programs in villages, publishes field guides such as Snakes of Valsad, and produces documentaries to educate the public on snakebite prevention and safety.

To scale operations, the Gujarat government has allotted 2.25 hectares of land for a permanent SRI campus. A proposal for Rs 11.68 crore has been submitted to develop world-class infrastructure, including state-of-the-art serpentariums, venom extraction labs, and training facilities. The campus is expected to serve as a hub for research, antivenom production, and advanced medical training. The e-auction comes amid India’s broader national push to curb snakebite deaths. The Union government launched the National Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming (NAP-SE) in 2024 and India became the first country in the world to have a comprehensive national plan for snakebite prevention, aiming to cut deaths and disabilities by 50 percent by 2030. SRI’s work in Gujarat directly supports these goals by providing high-quality venom for region-specific antivenom and training medical personnel across rural areas, the release added.

Published on February 22, 2026