Direct seeded rice: A resource saving systemfor climate smart agriculture

Abstract

Being the staple food, rice is cultivated over an area of 42 million hectares in India. Compared to the traditional methods of rice cultivation, direct seeded rice serves as a climate smart strategy that contributes to the 2030 agenda for sustainable development through resource efficiency. As groundwater level is dropping in the Indo-Gangetic plains, this technique ensures stable production
in water deficit areas by saving upto 25% water. As a low-carbon farming method, it reduces 30–40% methane emission and is vital for meeting the climate mitigation targets formulated under the sustainable development goals. It improves the economic viability of farming by reducing production costs. The collaboration of the International Rice Research Institute and the Department of Biotechnology in India resulted in improved varieties with dual adaptability. Its contribution towards SDG goals, benefits over traditional methods and the initiatives taken by government to encourage farmers to adapt the technology are discussed in this article.