The National Rainfed Area Authority (NRAA) has reached a significant milestone in safeguarding India’s wild rice genetic reservoirs. This achievement comes through a project focused on protecting wild rice (Oryza rufipogon) in Assam. The initiative, known as In-situ Conservation and Management of Wild Rice in Sonitpur District of Assam, has been in progress since 2022.
The project, a collaboration between ICAR–National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBPGR) and the Assam State Biodiversity Board, aims to conserve India’s diverse wild rice and bolster climate-resilient agriculture. Notably, the Borjuli site in Assam’s Sonitpur district, identified under the project, has been designated as a Biodiversity Heritage Site by the National Biodiversity Authority.
Scientists from ICAR-NBPGR briefed NRAA Chief Executive Officer Chandra Shekhar Kumar on the project’s accomplishments in exploring, conserving, and characterizing wild rice germplasm. Kumar emphasized the importance of wild rice species as a crucial genetic resource for developing resilient, high-yield, and nutritious rice varieties. He also highlighted the necessity of replicating such conservation efforts for other crop wild relatives nationwide to enhance agricultural resilience, sustainability, and long-term food security.
The project’s focus on conserving plant genetic resources and biodiversity aligns with the government’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and strengthening food security amidst climate change challenges. The efforts of the research team have been commended for their contribution to preserving India’s plant genetic diversity and promoting climate-resilient agriculture.
