The National Rainfed Area Authority (NRAA) under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare has achieved a significant milestone in wild rice genetic resource conservation through its funded project 'In-situ Conservation and Management of Wild Rice (Oryza rufipogon) in Sonitpur District of Assam.' The project, implemented since 2022 by ICAR–National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBPGR) in collaboration with the Assam State Biodiversity Board, has secured major recognition with the Borjuli site in Sonitpur district being notified as a Biodiversity Heritage Site by the National Biodiversity Authority.
Scientists from ICAR-NBPGR briefed Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar, IAS, Chief Executive Officer of NRAA, on the project's achievements in exploration, conservation, and characterization of wild rice germplasm. Dr. Kumar commended the research team, emphasizing that wild rice species serve as an invaluable source of genes for developing climate-resilient, high-yielding, and nutritionally superior rice varieties. He stressed the need to replicate similar conservation initiatives for other crop wild relatives across India to enhance the resilience, sustainability, and long-term food security of Indian agriculture.
The meeting was facilitated by Dr. Pankaj Kumar Shah, Director (Agriculture & Horticulture) of NRAA, and Dr. Anil Kumar Mishra, Technical Expert (Watershed Management) of NRAA. The recognition of Borjuli as a Biodiversity Heritage Site marks a major step toward conserving India's rich wild rice diversity and strengthening climate-resilient agriculture practices.