Assam's Wild Rice Habitat Recognised As Biodiversity Heritage Site

A tiny wetland in Assam’s Sonitpur district has received national recognition for protecting one of the world’s most important crop ancestors. The Borjuli site, spread across just 0.41 hectares, has been notified as a Biodiversity Heritage Site by the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), marking a major milestone for wild rice conservation in India.

The recognition comes under the National Rainfed Area Authority (NRAA)-funded project, In-situ Conservation and Management of Wild Rice (Oryza rufipogon) in Sonitpur District of Assam. The project has been underway since 2022 and is being implemented by the ICAR–National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBPGR) in collaboration with the Assam State Biodiversity Board. This recognition is expected to strengthen long-term efforts to conserve India's rich wild rice diversity while also supporting future food security and climate-resilient agriculture.

Why This Small Wetland Matters

Although the Borjuli site is less than half a hectare in size, it is home to a thriving population of Oryza rufipogon, the wild ancestor of cultivated rice (Oryza sativa).

Scientists consider this species a valuable genetic resource because it harbours traits that could improve modern rice varieties. These include resistance to flooding, tolerance to acidic soils and the ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions.

Protecting the species in its natural habitat allows it to continue evolving naturally, something that cannot be replicated in seed banks or laboratories.

What Is Oryza rufipogon?

Oryza rufipogon is one of the most extensively studied wild rice species in the world. It is a perennial plant commonly found in marshes, wetlands and other aquatic habitats across eastern and southern Asia.

The species is photosensitive, meaning it flowers only under short-day conditions, usually during November and December. Its seeds naturally disperse soon after they mature, making it well-adapted to life in the wild.

Researchers believe these characteristics make it an important source of genes that could help develop rice varieties capable of coping with rising temperatures, floods and other climate-related challenges.

Conservation Project Began In 2022

The conservation project was launched in 2022 with the aim of protecting the wild rice population through in-situ conservation, which means safeguarding the species in its natural habitat instead of relocating it elsewhere.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, the project focuses on ensuring that the wild rice population continues to survive, evolve and retain its genetic diversity. This genetic diversity could play a crucial role in future crop improvement programmes, both in India and globally.

Interestingly, the Assam government had already declared the Borjuli wild rice habitat a Biodiversity Heritage Site in 2022. The latest notification by the National Biodiversity Authority provides national-level recognition and is expected to further boost conservation efforts.

Why Wild Rice Is Important For Future Farming

Experts say wild relatives of crops are becoming increasingly important as agriculture faces the impacts of climate change. In an official statement, Dr Chandra Shekhar Kumar, Chief Executive Officer of the National Rainfed Area Authority, said wild rice species are an invaluable source of genes for developing climate-resilient, high-yielding and nutritionally superior rice varieties.

He also called for similar conservation initiatives for other crop wild relatives across the country. According to him, protecting these natural genetic resources will help make Indian agriculture more resilient, sustainable and better prepared for future challenges.

As climate change continues to put pressure on food production, conserving species like Oryza rufipogon could prove essential. The Borjuli wetland may be small in size, but its role in preserving the future of one of the world's most important food crops is anything but minor.

(With inputs from various sources)

FAQs

Q1. Where is the newly recognised Biodiversity Heritage Site located?

The Borjuli wild rice habitat is located in Sonitpur district, Assam, and covers approximately 0.41 hectares.

Q2. Why is Borjuli important?

Borjuli protects Oryza rufipogon, the wild ancestor of cultivated rice, which contains valuable genetic traits that can help develop climate-resilient rice varieties.

Q3. What is Oryza rufipogon?

Oryza rufipogon is a wild rice species found in wetlands across Asia and is considered one of the closest wild ancestors of cultivated rice (Oryza sativa).

Q4. What is a Biodiversity Heritage Site?

A Biodiversity Heritage Site is a legally recognised area with significant biodiversity value, protected under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, to conserve unique ecosystems and species.

Q5. Who is implementing the conservation project?

The project is being implemented by ICAR–National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBPGR) in collaboration with the Assam State Biodiversity Board, with funding from the National Rainfed Area Authority (NRAA).