Does India Need a Different Rice Ecosystem to Harness the Export Advantages and Manage the Virtual Water Exports?

The present study assessed the virtual water trade and comparative advantages in rice exports. It suggests realigning the Indian rice ecosystem based on the demand–supply gap, groundwater exploitation, productivity growth and untapped productivity potential. It also advocates the phased shifting of acreage under common (non-basmati) rice production to potential regions identified as suitable. The proposed shifting of cultivation will lead to achieving a sustainable rice ecosystem, conserving the natural resource base and reducing risk in terms of environmental and economic factors. Emerging practices such as dry direct-seeded rice, and the system of rice intensification could be effectively used for sustainable rice ecosystem in India.