About this book:

*Water-Smart Rice* provides a comprehensive, evidence-based roadmap for transitioning from traditional, continuously flooded paddy systems to sustainable, resource-efficient rice cultivation. The book centers on a systems approach headlined by Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD), a technique that involves intermittent irrigation to reduce water consumption by up to 30% and slash methane emissions by half without compromising yields. To be effective, the core practice of AWD is integrated with precision land preparation (such as laser leveling), mechanized transplanting, direct-seeded rice (DSR), and the use of improved, stress-tolerant cultivars.

The text emphasizes that profitability is a primary driver for adoption, highlighting how water-smart techniques lower input costs—specifically pumping fuel and fertilizers—and improve labor productivity. Beyond farm-level agronomy, the book explores emerging economic incentives, including carbon markets and sustainability premiums, while detailing the necessary frameworks for Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV). It also addresses the critical social dimensions of agricultural change, focusing on the roles of women and youth, the necessity of inclusive Water User Associations, and the development of private-sector service provision models for smallholders.

A significant portion of the work is dedicated to the environmental co-benefits of these practices, such as improved downstream water quality, reduced arsenic accumulation in grain, and enhanced on-farm biodiversity. Through region-specific recommendations and pilot case studies across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, the book illustrates that while the principles of water-smart rice are universal, successful implementation requires tailoring techniques to local soil, climate, and institutional realities. Ultimately, the book serves as a guide for policymakers, extension agents, and farmers to build a resilient, low-emission rice sector capable of meeting global food demand in a water-constrained world.

What You'll Find Inside:

• Improves the anaerobic soil conditions of flooded paddies, which are a major source of methane (CH4), a potent greenhouse gas.
• Focuses on the Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) technique to significantly reduce water consumption, a critical factor in water-scarce regions.
• Provides region-specific guidance on integrating AWD with other practices like precision land leveling, mechanized transplanting, and improved cultivars for a complete systems approach.
• Addresses farm economics with practical advice on enterprise budgets, labor management, and profitability to ensure sustainability is also financially viable.
• Explores pathways to value sustainability, including emerging carbon markets, MRV (Measurement, Reporting, and Verification), and social inclusion models for gender and youth.

Who's It For:

This book is written for a diverse audience invested in the future of sustainable rice production. It is essential for agricultural professionals and agronomists, including extension agents and researchers, who provide guidance to farmers. Policymakers and leaders of irrigation or water user associations will find detailed strategies for scaling adoption and managing shared resources. Additionally, the book serves as a practical guide for farmers, agricultural service providers, and social entrepreneurs seeking to implement techniques that reduce costs, improve yields, and access new markets for low-emission products.