Assam's Borjuli Wetland Declared Biodiversity Heritage Site
| Key Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Borjuli Wetland in Assam declared a Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS) |
| Significance | Conservation of wild rice (Oryza rufipogon), progenitor of cultivated rice (Oryza sativa) |
| Implementing Agency | ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBPGR) with Assam State Biodiversity Board |
| Project Name | "In-situ Conservation and Management of Wild Rice (Oryza rufipogon) in Sonitpur District of Assam" (since 2022) |
| Funding Agency | National Rainfed Area Authority (NRAA) under Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare |
| Key Species | Oryza rufipogon - naturally resistant to pests, flooding, and salinity; vital for climate-resilient rice breeding |
| Habitat | Found in marshes and wetlands across eastern and southern Asia |
| Governing Body | National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) notified the BHS designation |