Climate-resilient agricultural strategies for sustainable rice and potato production: a multi-scale review

Rice and potato are staple crops vital to food security, yet their cultivation is increasingly threatened by climate change—particularly due to water scarcity, rising temperatures, and elevated atmospheric CO2 levels. This review aims to assess climate-resilient strategies for sustainable rice and potato production by synthesizing field-based research and modeling studies. A traditional narrative approach was adopted to review peer-reviewed literature published between 2000 and 2024 sourced from major academic databases, focusing on irrigation innovations, nutrient management, mulching, and agronomic adaptations. Techniques such as Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD), System of Rice Intensification (SRI), and drip irrigation were found to enhance water use efficiency (WUE) and maintain or increase yields when paired with optimized nitrogen (N) application and planting dates. The role of crop simulation models—such as DSSAT, WOFOST, and ORYZA—is emphasized for scenario analysis and adaptive planning. The review also highlights the complementary value of field-based practices like regulated deficit irrigation and use of stress-tolerant cultivars. Future efforts should prioritize field validation, improved integration of models with on-farm practices, and socioeconomic assessments to guide context-specific adoption. Overall, this synthesis provides a framework for strengthening the resilience and sustainability of rice–potato systems through integrated research, precision agronomy, and targeted policy support.