Water-Efficient Rice Cultivation involves farming techniques such as Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD), System of Rice Intensification (SRI), and aerobic rice systems that drastically reduce water usage compared to traditional paddy methods. These approaches improve water productivity, lower methane emissions, and often enhance yields.
The techniques are particularly valuable in regions facing water scarcity or climate variability, offering a pathway to sustainable rice production. In addition to conserving water, they support climate adaptation, reduce input costs for farmers, and are often implemented alongside training programs and local extension services.
The success of these methods depends on field-level water control and farmer engagement but has proven replicable in both smallholder and commercial settings.