July 2, 2026 3:17 PM
Assam’s Borjuli wetland notified as Biodiversity Heritage Site for wild rice conservation
The Borjuli wetland in Assam, known for harbouring a disease and pest-resistant variety of wild rice, has been notified as a Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS), marking a major milestone in the conservation of India's wild rice genetic resources. The wild rice species, Oryza rufipogon, is the progenitor of present-day cultivated rice, Oryza sativa. It is resistant to pests and diseases and can tolerate flooding and saline conditions, making it a valuable genetic resource for developing climate-re...