NRAA-Funded Wild Rice Conservation Project Secures Major Milestone in Assam

Why in news

The Borjuli site in Sonitpur district of Assam, identified under a project funded by the National Rainfed Area Authority (NRAA), has been notified as a Biodiversity Heritage Site by the National Biodiversity Authority, marking a significant step in wild rice conservation.

Exam relevance

GS3 · Environment & Ecology, Economy · Prelims · Mains

Key facts

1. The Borjuli site in Sonitpur district of Assam has been notified as a Biodiversity Heritage Site.
2. This notification was made by the National Biodiversity Authority.
3. The site was identified under the project titled "In-situ Conservation and Management of Wild Rice (Oryza rufipogon) in Sonitpur District of Assam."
4. The project is funded by the National Rainfed Area Authority (NRAA), which operates under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.
5. Implementation of the project began in 2022.
6. The project is implemented by ICAR–National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBPGR), New Delhi, in collaboration with the Assam State Biodiversity Board.
7. Wild rice species, specifically Oryza rufipogon, are considered an invaluable source of genes for developing climate-resilient, high-yielding, and nutritionally superior rice varieties.

Prelims pointers

• Borjuli site is located in Sonitpur district, Assam.
• The site has been notified as a Biodiversity Heritage Site.
• The notification was done by the National Biodiversity Authority.
• The project focuses on the conservation of wild rice (Oryza rufipogon).
• The National Rainfed Area Authority (NRAA) is under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.
• ICAR–National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBPGR) is an implementing body for the project.

Mains practice question

Discuss the significance of in-situ conservation of wild crop relatives, such as Oryza rufipogon, in strengthening climate-resilient agriculture. How do initiatives like the declaration of Biodiversity Heritage Sites contribute to this objective?

Static linkage

The news relates to the Biodiversity Act, which provides for the declaration of Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHS) by State Governments in consultation with local bodies, to protect unique, ecologically fragile ecosystems. It also links to the role of the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) and the importance of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture, particularly in the context of climate change.

Significance

The notification of Borjuli as a Biodiversity Heritage Site is crucial for the in-situ conservation of wild rice genetic resources, which are vital for developing climate-resilient and nutritionally superior rice varieties. This step strengthens India's efforts in biodiversity conservation and sustainable agriculture, contributing to food security and adaptation to climate change. It also highlights the collaborative efforts between central and state agencies in protecting valuable genetic diversity.