New Delhi, March 11 -- India's rice cultivation is facing a growing sustainability challenge. The conventional puddled transplanting method, widely used across the country, requires enormous quantities of water, intensive labour, and flooded fields that emit methane.

As groundwater levels decline, labour costs rise and climate plays havoc, policymakers and scientists are increasingly promoting direct seeded rice (DSR) as a more viable alternative. However, there are stumbling blocks hindering its wider adoption. Mint explains

What is direct seeded rice (DSR)?

DSR refers to a cultivation method where seeds are sown directly into the field without transplanting seedlings, saving water, labour, and time compared to traditional methods.

T...