Which of the following sites in the Sonitpur district of Assam was recently notified as a Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS) for the conservation of wild rice (Oryza rufipogon)?

The correct answer is Borjuli In News The Borjuli site in Sonitpur district, Assam , has been officially notified as a Biodiversity Heritage Site to conserve wild rice genetic resources. Key Points The notification is a result of the project titled "In-situ Conservation and Management of Wild Rice (Oryza rufipogon) in Sonitpur District of Assam" , which has been operational since 2022 . The site was identified and recommended for notification by the ICAR–National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBPGR) and the Assam State Biodiversity Board . The National Biodiversity Authority formalised the recognition of Borjuli as a Biodiversity Heritage Site . This recognition is specifically aimed at safeguarding the Oryza rufipogon species, which is a critical genetic resource for climate-resilient agriculture. The project is funded by the National Rainfed Area Authority (NRAA) under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare . Additional Information Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar , CEO of NRAA , highlighted that wild rice species are vital for developing high-yielding and nutritionally superior rice varieties. The project involved extensive exploration, conservation, and characterization of wild rice germplasm in the Sonitpur region. The initiative aligns with India's broader goals of long-term food security and enhancing the sustainability of Indian agriculture through crop wild relatives. Important Points Oryza rufipogon is the primary species targeted for conservation at the Borjuli site. This milestone is expected to serve as a model for similar conservation initiatives for other crop wild relatives across India .