According to a study by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), targeted investment in direct seeded rice (DSR) research could help shape India’s climate resilient farming future.
The IRRI study, in partnership with Indian research organizations and supported by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), demonstrates how targeted investments in DSR research can help overcome constraints such as water scarcity and farm labor costs and provide benefits for farmers and the environment. It said the Indian government’s support reflects the country’s commitment to climate-resilient agriculture and international climate pledges.
Rice cultivation in India is facing increasing pressure from increasing water scarcity, rising agricultural labor costs and the impacts of climate change. Traditional transplanted puddled rice (TPR) is resource-intensive, while drained direct-seeded rice (DSR) offers a promising alternative. However, the adoption of dry DSR has been limited because most popular rice varieties were not grown for direct seeding. “Direct-seeded rice only works if farmers can rely on it year after year,” said Pallavi Sinha, an IRRI rice breeder. “Continued investment allows us to deliver varieties that perform in a variety of conditions”
new focus
New research focuses on improving widely grown rice varieties for direct seeding so that they can grow quickly, develop rapidly and produce stable yields while remaining resistant to pests and diseases. Field trials conducted over several seasons showed that the top performing lines gave about 15% higher yield under the DSR method of cultivation, while also performing well under conventional transplanting conditions. This dual adaptability provides farmers with flexibility and resilience in changing environmental conditions. Regional Breeding Development Lead for South Asia at IRRI. Singh stressed the importance of investment in DSR in bringing improved varieties for the use of farmers.
“Farmers will not adopt DSR if the varieties are not reliable. By upgrading popular rice varieties for direct sowing, we can help farmers achieve higher yields with less water and labour, without forcing them to move away from the varieties they rely on,” Singh said.
The scientists noted that the expansion of the DSR closely aligns with India’s commitments under global climate platforms, including efforts to reduce emissions intensity and improve water-use efficiency in agriculture. “Investing in DSR-oriented research enhances India’s ability to tackle climate change as well as achieve food security,” said Sanjay Kalia, project scientist and program officer in the Department of Biotechnology. “Fresh water is a resource that is often discounted in rice cultivation, because it is considered free. DSR technology will reshape the way rice is cultivated and demonstrate the determination to feed the world sustainably. The vision is to cultivate rice like wheat, and in a decade, it is going to be a reality,” he said.
Experts believe that widespread adoption of DSR-ready varieties could significantly reduce irrigation needs in central rice-growing states, increase farm profits and reduce the carbon footprint of rice farming. As several new lines of rice are already moving through national testing stages, researchers say the benefits of existing investments could soon be seen in farmers’ fields. As climate risks increase, investing in DSR is not just an agronomic choice, but a strategic step towards a more resilient and sustainable future for Indian agriculture, said the study published in. plant genome Said.
Published on February 4, 2026
