New Delhi, May 16 -- New Delhi: India is changing the way rice is cultivated in the country.

The government plans to implement a technique known as direct seeding of rice (DSR) in over 10 million hectares of farmland as part of its strategy to shift towards more sustainable agricultural practices and reduce carbon emissions. The move is aimed at aligning with India's broader climate goals, especially in reducing emissions from rice farming, which is one of the most water- and energy-intensive crops.

However, the initiative faces two key challenges: low yield and the reluctance of farmers to accept the new method of rice cultivation in about 25% of the country's paddy fields. Yet, officials are hopeful the benefits of DSR will eventually...