Rice is a water-demanding kharif crop grown mainly in irrigated lowland areas. Important regions include north-eastern Punjab, central Punjab and parts of Sindh. Aromatic basmati rice is associated especially with Punjab, while other varieties are produced in warmer southern areas.

Requirements and distribution

Rice needs high temperature, a frost-free growing season and abundant water. Level fields with bunds allow standing water to be maintained. Clay-rich soils reduce seepage. North-eastern Punjab has suitable warm summer conditions and irrigation, while lower Sindh also supports rice where water and drainage permit.

Rice is less suited to severely saline soils or areas where irrigation supply is unreliable. Excess water without drainage can worsen waterlogging.

Traditional cultivation

Seedlings are raised in a nursery, fields are ploughed and puddled, and seedlings are transplanted by hand into wet fields. Water depth is controlled, weeds and pests are managed, and the crop is cut, threshed, dried and milled.

This system uses abundant labour and can suit small fragmented holdings, but transplanting is slow and physically demanding.

Modern improvements

Improved varieties, mechanical land levelling, direct seeding, transplanting machines, combine harvesters and better water control can raise efficiency. Alternate wetting and drying reduces continuous flooding and may save water where management is reliable.

Machinery is harder to use in very small irregular plots. Cooperative services and contractors can spread costs.

Uses and economy

Rice is a staple food and an important export. Milling produces polished rice, bran and husk. Husk can be used as fuel or in industrial products, while broken rice has food and feed uses.

Export quality depends on variety, grain purity, moisture, storage and processing. High-value basmati creates more income per tonne but faces strict market standards.

Environmental issues

Flooded fields use large amounts of water and can produce methane. Poor irrigation and drainage contribute to waterlogging and salinity. Fertiliser and pesticide runoff affects canals and groundwater.

Improvement therefore requires better water scheduling, drainage, integrated pest management and matching rice to areas with adequate supply rather than expanding it everywhere.