Current Advances in Agricultural Sciences(An International Journal)

Production of conventional puddled transplanted rice is facing severe constraints because of water and labour scarcity and climatic changes. Direct-seeded rice (DSR) is a feasible alternative to conventional puddled transplanted rice with good potential to save water, reduce labour requirement, mitigate green-house gas (GHG) emission and adapt to climatic risks. The yields are comparable with transplanted rice if crop is properly managed. In recent years, efforts have been made in promoting the DSR technology by various organizations. Scientists are concentrating in developing suitable varieties and agronomic packages for promoting the DSR. However, the DSR suffers from some constraints particularly high weed infestation. The system has been proved cost-effective and farmers’ friendly but require further improvement in technological approach to realize greater benefits. The article assesses the resource and environmental constraints of conventional puddled transplanted rice production, outlines the production technology of DSR, analyzes the potentials and constraints of DSR, and suggests options for promotion of DSR in India.