SUSTAINABLE MECHANIZED RICE ESTABLISHMENT SYSTEM IN KOSI REGION OF BIHAR INDIA

Rice cultivation in eastern India is increasingly constrained by labour scarcity, rising wage rates, and high-water demand associated with conventional puddled transplanting. Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) has emerged as a promising alternative to address these challenges through mechanization and conservation agriculture practices. An On-Farm Trial (OFT) was conducted during Kharif 2024 and 2025 to assess the adoption and impact of different DSR technologies in a paddy-based cropping system. Three technology options (TO) were evaluated: TO I–Farmers’ Practice (manual transplanting), TO II–DSR with zero till multi-crop planter, and TO III–DSR with super seeder. Each treatment was implemented on one hectare under farmers field conditions. Results showed that manual transplanting produced the highest grain yield (46.0 q/ha), however, DSR technologies significantly reduced cost of cultivation (35–40%). DSR with zero till multi-crop planter (TO II) recorded the highest net return (Rs. 77,270/ha) and benefit–cost (BC) ratio (3.06), followed by DSR with super seeder (BC ratio 2.76). Despite a marginal yield reduction (4–6%), mechanized DSR proved economically superior and more resource-efficient intervention. Adoption assessment of said technology indicated positive farmer’s response towards DSR due to labour saving, lower production cost, and timely sowing. The study concludes that DSR, particularly with zero till multi-crop planter, is a viable and scalable technology for sustainable rice production in paddy-based cropping systems.