Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is the staple crop in Chhattisgarh, contributing significantly to the state's economy and food security. Known as the "Rice Bowl of Central India," Chhattisgarh produces over 7 million tons of paddy annually, with diverse production technologies including conventional transplanting, direct-seeded rice (DSR), and the System of Rice Intensification (SRI). However, challenges such as labor scarcity, erratic monsoons, and poor seedling quality necessitate the adoption of high-tech nurseries. This study evaluates the efficacy of high-tech nursery systems—characterized by mat-type seedling production in controlled environments using plastic trays, automated irrigation, and nutrient-enriched media—for these technologies in Raipur and Bilaspur districts. Field experiments were conducted during the 2015 and 2016 kharif seasons on Vertisol soils. Treatments included high-tech mat nurseries for SRI (8-12 day-old seedlings, 25x25 cm spacing), DSR (dry seeding with pre-germinated seeds), and conventional transplanting (21-25 day-old seedlings). Key parameters assessed were seedling vigor, survival rate, yield attributes, water use efficiency (WUE), and economic returns. Results indicated that high-tech nurseries improved seedling establishment by 25-35% across technologies, with SRI yielding 6.2 t/ha (28% higher than conventional), DSR at 5.8 t/ha (saving 30% water), and conventional at 4.9 t/ha. WUE increased from 0.45 kg/m³ in traditional nurseries to 0.68 kg/m³ in high-tech setups. Economic analysis showed net returns of ?45,000/ha for SRI and ?38,000/ha for DSR, versus ?32,000/ha for conventional methods. The integration of high-tech nurseries enhances adaptability to climate variability, reduces transplanting shock, and promotes sustainable intensification. This approach is recommended for smallholder farmers in Chhattisgarh to boost productivity while conserving resources. Future research should focus on scaling bio-fertilizer integration and mechanization for cost reduction.

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