Scaling climate-smart mechanized innovations to optimize rice-wheat systems in Eastern India

This solution track addresses low productivity, high resource use and climate vulnerability in Eastern Uttar Pradesh’s rice-wheat systems by scaling mechanised Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) followed by Zero-Tillage Wheat. The integrated package combines timely crop establishment with improved varieties, quality seed, agronomic practices, mechanisation services, technical advice and enabling finance and policy support. Evidence indicates that mechanised DSR can maintain yields while reducing cultivation costs by USD 120–150/ha, labour by 40–80%, water use by 30–35% and greenhouse gas emissions by 30–40%; earlier wheat sowing can further improve yields and incomes. Anchored in the World Bank-supported UPAGREES programme, the track seeks to strengthen Custom Hiring Centres, private service providers and rural enterprises, with a 2030 ambition of reaching around one million smallholder farmers and approximately 200,000 hectares.