Indian Yak
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 15 2026:
In a moment of pride for the State, the "SHAL-4-YAK HD SNP Chip and the assembly of the chromosome-level whole genome sequence of the Indian Yak" developed by Manipuri scientist Dr Martina Pukhrambam was launched by Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan for the first time in India yesterday.
"The pioneering chip was launched at the Animal Breed Registration Certificate & Breed Conservation-Award Distribution Ceremony held at ICAR, New Delhi, according to a press release.
Dr Martina Pukhrambam, Scientist at ICAR-NRCY, pirang developed the chip working as the Principal Investigator (PI) of the project.
Her dedicated effort steered the project toward its successful completion.
She is a gold medalist in Bachelor of Veterinary Science from the College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry, Selesih and a PhD silver medalist on Animal Genetics & Breeding under ICAR-NDRI .
The SHAL4YAK HD SNP Chip is a high-density SNP chip developed specifically for the native populations of yak with approximately 200,000 markers for precise breeding, parentage verification, and genetic improvement.
This will serve as an indispensable scientific foundation for the sustainable management of Indian yak and provide a vital genetic resource for studying high-altitude adaptation, productivity and disease resistance.




