Resource Conservation Technologies (RCTs) are innovative agricultural practices designed to improve the efficiency of resource use such as water, soil, nutrients, and energy in crop production. In rice-based cropping systems, especially in Eastern India, RCTs help address major challenges like water scarcity, soil degradation, increasing input costs, and the impacts of climate change. These practices include Direct Seeded Rice (DSR), System of Rice Intensification (SRI), zero tillage, laser land leveling, site-specific nutrient management (SSNM), and crop residue management. Each of these methods aims to optimize input use, reduce costs, and enhance crop productivity while conserving the environment.

In Eastern India, where traditional rice cultivation is water-intensive and labor-dependent, Resource Conservation Technologies (RCTs) offer sustainable alternatives. For example, Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) reduces water and labor requirements by eliminating the need for nursery raising and transplanting. Similarly, the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) improves rice yield with less water and fewer seeds through better spacing and management practices. Zero Tillage helps maintain soil structure and moisture, while Laser Land Leveling ensures uniform water distribution across fields, reducing wastage. Site-Specific Nutrient Management (SSNM), which involves applying nutrients based on specific soil and crop requirements, further enhances efficiency and minimizes environmental pollution.

Adopting RCTs in rice-based systems contributes to improved soil health, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and better resource conservation, making agriculture more climate-resilient. These practices also lower the cost of cultivation and increase farmers’ profitability, promoting sustainable livelihoods. Overall, RCTs are essential for transforming traditional rice farming in Eastern India into a more sustainable, resource-efficient, and environmentally friendly system, ensuring long-term food and nutritional security in the region.