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Received: 5th March, 2026; Accepted: 7th May, 2026

Abstract

Conventional puddled transplantation is unsustainable due to high water footprints, labour shortages, and methane emissions, making direct-seeded rice (DSR) a critical resource-efficient alternative. This review synthesizes recent genetic, mechanical, and digital breakthroughs aimed at modernizing DSR into a high yielding, climate-resilient system. The integration of non-GM, imidazolinone-tolerant varieties, such as Pusa Basmati 1979, Pusa Basmati 1985, and CR Dhan 807, as well as hybrids like SAVA 127 and SAVA 134, facilitates effective post-emergence weed control, resulting in approximately 30% reduction in cultivation costs in DSR. Furthermore, mechanized row seeding and “Vattar” (soil mulch) techniques significantly enhance crop stand and moisture conservation, while seed priming with 2.0% KNO3 has been shown to boostyields by 7–11%. Precision technologies, including drone-based ultra-low-volume herbicide application at 40 L/ha and drip irrigation, have demonstrated water savings of up to 50% and a 24% reduction in carbon footprint compared to conventional methods. However, the shift to aerobic conditions necessitates integrated management to mitigate the trade-off between reduced methane (CH 4) and increased nitrous oxide (NO) emissions. Ultimately, the convergence of herbicide-tolerant genetics with precision mechanization and smart irrigation represents a paradigm shift in rice cultivation. While high initial costs and potential herbicide resistance remain challenges, these innovations provide a robust framework for sustainable intensification, provided that future efforts prioritize standardized operating protocols and localized machinery manufacturing to ensure food security for smallholder farmers under changing climatic conditions.