Impact of Short-Duration Rice Cultivation on Water Resource Management and Sustainability

Abstract-Water scarcity is rapidly becoming one of the most critical challenges facing global agriculture, particularly in regions that heavily depend on water-intensive crops such as rice. Traditional rice farming, which involves continuous flooding of paddy fields, consumes vast amounts of water, making rice cultivation unsustainable in many water-stressed regions. The need for innovative, water-efficient agricultural practices has led to the development and adoption of short-duration rice varieties, which offer a viable solution to reducing water use without compromising crop yield or food security. Short-duration rice varieties are characterized by their shorter growing periods, typically maturing within 90 to 110 days compared to conventional varieties that can take over 150 days. By requiring less time in the field, these varieties also demand significantly less water for irrigation, making them highly suitable for areas facing water scarcity, irregular rainfall, and unreliable irrigation infrastructure. In addition to reducing water consumption, short-duration rice contributes to the overall sustainability of farming systems by allowing for better synchronization with seasonal rains, enabling double or multiple cropping, and minimizing the need for groundwater extraction.