Sonitpur: In a significant boost to biodiversity conservation and agricultural research, the Borjuli wild rice habitat in Assam’s Sonitpur district has been officially declared a Biodiversity Heritage Site, recognising its importance as a vital repository of India’s native wild rice genetic resources.
The recognition was announced following a meeting between scientists from the ICAR–National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBPGR) and Chandra Shekhar Kumar, Chief Executive Officer of the National Rainfed Area Authority (NRAA), during which the research team presented key achievements under an ongoing wild rice conservation project.
During the meeting, the scientists informed the CEO that the Borjuli habitat, identified through extensive exploration, conservation and characterisation of wild rice germplasm, has been officially notified as a Biodiversity Heritage Site by the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA).
The designation is being viewed as a major milestone in the conservation of Oryza rufipogon, the wild ancestor of cultivated rice. The species is considered an invaluable genetic resource for developing improved rice varieties and advancing agricultural research.
Experts said conserving wild rice species is essential for breeding climate-resilient, high-yielding and nutritionally enhanced rice varieties that can withstand emerging threats such as climate change, pests and diseases.
Appreciating the work of the research team, NRAA Chief Executive Officer Chandra Shekhar Kumar described wild rice species as an invaluable source of genetic traits that can strengthen India’s agricultural future. He also called for similar conservation initiatives to be undertaken for other crop wild relatives across the country to improve agricultural resilience, promote environmental sustainability and ensure long-term food security.
The meeting was facilitated by Pankaj Kumar Shah, Director (Agriculture and Horticulture), NRAA, and Anil Kumar Mishra, Technical Expert (Watershed Management), NRAA.
