Milestone Achieved in Conservation of India's Wild Rice Genetic Resources

The National Rainfed Area Authority (NRAA) -- under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare -- has achieved a significant milestone in conserving India's wild rice genetic resources through a project aimed at protecting wild rice (Oryza rufipogon) in Assam, it was announced on Thursday.

The ministry noted that the recognition marks a major step towards conserving India's rich wild rice diversity and strengthening climate-resilient agriculture.

The project -- titled In-situ Conservation and Management of Wild Rice (Oryza rufipogon) in Sonitpur District of Assam -- has been implemented since 2022 by the ICAR–National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBPGR) in collaboration with the Assam State Biodiversity Board.

It further noted that the recognition marks a major step towards conserving India's rich wild rice diversity and strengthening climate-resilient agriculture.

A team of scientists from ICAR-NBPGR briefed NRAA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Chandra Shekhar Kumar on the project's achievements in the exploration, conservation and characterisation of wild rice germplasm.

The scientists informed the CEO that the Borjuli site in Assam's Sonitpur district -- identified under the project -- has been notified as a Biodiversity Heritage Site by the National Biodiversity Authority.

Commending the efforts of the research team, Kumar said wild rice species are an invaluable source of genes for developing climate-resilient, high-yielding and nutritionally superior rice varieties.

However, he stressed the need to replicate similar conservation initiatives for other crop wild relatives across the country to enhance the resilience, sustainability and long-term food security of Indian agriculture.

The meeting was facilitated by Pankaj Kumar Shah, Director (Agriculture and Horticulture), NRAA, and Anil Kumar Mishra, Technical Expert (Watershed Management), NRAA.

According to the ministry, the project reflects the government's continued focus on conserving plant genetic resources and biodiversity to support sustainable agriculture and strengthen the country's food security in the face of climate change.