Direct seeding in rice: Current innovations, agronomic perspectives and future opportunities for global adoption

Traditional puddle-transplanted rice cultivation faces increasing constraints due to climate change, declining water availability and acute labour shortages. Additionally, the management of nurseries for transplanting is labour intensive and requires intensive care and supervision, further complicating its adoption under modern agricultural conditions. In response to these challenges, alternative rice establishment techniques are being explored to sustain productivity while using reduced resource inputs. Among these, direct seeded rice (DSR), including wet and dry seeding methods, offers a viable and sustainable alternative. Specifically, dry direct seeded rice has emerged as a promising technique that conserves water, reduces labour requirements, minimizes greenhouse gas emissions and enhances adaptability to climatic variability. With appropriate agronomic management, DSR can achieve yields comparable to conventional transplanting methods. Despite being farmer-friendly and cost-effective, its widespread adoption is constrained by challenges in weed control and crop establishment. Recent advancements in precision technologies, mechanization and integrated crop management have shown strong potential to overcome these barriers, leading to improved productivity, profitability and resource-use efficiency. This review consolidates research evidence and technological interventions on DSR, emphasizing its agronomic practices, advantages, challenges and future prospects. The findings not only demonstrate the eco-efficient and resource-conserving nature of the DSR package but also underline its practical relevance for farmers and its policy significance in promoting sustainable rice intensification. The article aims to provide comprehensive insights into DSR while offering directions for innovations that can accelerate its large-scale adoption across diverse agro-ecological regions.