Abstract

As the global population is projected to surpass 9 billion by 2050, rice production must increase significantly to ensure food security, especially in developing countries that are most affected by climate change and the depletion of water and labour resources. Direct-seeded rice (DSR) emerges as a transformative solution, reducing water use and labour demands while achieving yields comparable to those of traditional transplanted rice systems. This article discusses the history of DSR, tracing its roots to ancient floodplains and its evolution into a modern, mechanized practice capable of yielding more tons per hectare in advanced systems. It discusses the latest breeding innovations that have shortened development timelines, utilizing genomic tools and precision technologies to develop resilient, weed-competitive varieties suited for diverse climates. However, DSR’s journey is not without hurdles-limited germplasm, complex trait demands, and persistent weed challenges threaten its scalability, with yields at risk without effective management. The article highlights efforts by global research institutes and the private sector, showcasing state-of-the-art facilities that accelerate variety development and mechanization-friendly designs poised to redesign the modern DSR breeding. Looking ahead, it discusses a future where sustainable weed control, climate-smart traits, and affordable machinery drive DSR breeding. When integrated with digital agriculture, these advancements promise a sustainable rice future, though equitable access to all rice researchers with a good understanding is needed. This review sheds light on current challenges and research innovations in DSR breeding, and further discusses future research directions, including the development of climate-resilient and future-proof DSR varieties, within a very short timeframe.