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IRRI with DBT proves investing in direct-seeded rice can help reshape India’s future of climate-resilient farming
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Saturday, 07 February, 2026, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Our Bureau, Bengaluru
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 International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), in partnership with Indian research organizations and supported by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India, demonstrates how targeted investment in DSR (direct seeding of rice) research can help address water, labour constraints and provide benefits for farmers and the environment.
India’s rice sector faces growing pressures from increasing water shortages, rising farm labor costs, and the effects of climate change. Traditional transplanted puddled rice (TPR) is resource-intensive, while dry DSR offers a promising alternative. Adoption of dry DSR, however, has been limited as most popular rice varieties were not bred for direct seeding, stated scientists in the DBT-supported study is published in The Plant Genome.
The scientists noted that the Union government’s support reflects the country’s commitment to climate-resilient agriculture and its international climate pledges.
According to Dr. Pallavi Sinha, rice breeder, IRRI, “Direct-seeded rice only works if farmers can rely on it year after year. Consistent investment allows us to deliver varieties that perform under diverse conditions.”
The new research focuses on improving widely grown rice varieties for direct seeding so they can quickly grow and deliver stable yields while remaining resilient to pests and diseases. Field trials conducted over multiple seasons showed that the top-performing lines yielded about 15% more under DSR, while also performing well in conventional transplanting conditions. This dual adaptability provides farmers with flexibility and resilience under changing environmental conditions, said Dr Pallavi.
Dr. Vikas K. Singh, Regional Breeding Lead for South Asia at IRRI, emphasized the importance of investments in DSR in bringing improved varieties for farmers' use.
“Farmers will not adopt DSR if the varieties are not reliable. By upgrading popular rice varieties for direct seeding, we can help farmers achieve higher yields with less water and labor, without forcing them to shift away from varieties they trust,” he said.
Further, the scientists also noted that expanding DSR aligns closely 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 capacity to achieve food security while tackling climate change. Fresh water is a resource which is often discounted in rice cultivation, as it is considered free. DSR technology will reshape the way rice is being cultivated and demonstrate sustainability. The vision is to cultivate rice like wheat, and in a decade, it is going to be a reality,” said Dr. Sanjay Kalia, Scientist and Program Officer for this project at the Department of Biotechnology.
Experts believe that broader adoption of DSR-ready varieties could substantially reduce irrigation needs in central rice-growing states, boost farm profits, and lower the carbon footprint of rice farming. As several of the new rice lines are already advancing through national testing stages, researchers say the benefits of current investments could soon be seen in farmers’ fields. As climate risks increase, investing in DSR is not just an agronomic choice, but a strategic move toward a more resilient and sustainable future for Indian agriculture, said the IPPI communication note.
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