Traditional puddled transplanted rice (PTR) cultivation methods, where rice seedlings are first grown in nurseries and then transplanted, are resource-intensive, requiring significant amounts of water, labor, and time. These challenges are exacerbated by increasingly erratic weather patterns and water scarcity, threatening the sustainability of rice farming.
To address these issues, the Roots Foundation promotes Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR), a modern method where seeds are planted directly in the main field. However, widespread adoption of DSR is hindered by a lack of awareness and practical knowledge among farmers. Through on-farm demonstrations and direct interactions, Roots Foundation provides farmers with firsthand experience and insights into the benefits of DSR. Despite these efforts, significant barriers remain in achieving widespread acceptance and implementation of this technique. Overcoming these barriers is crucial to enhancing agricultural efficiency, sustainability, and resilience in the face of climate change.