Redesigning Rice-Wheat Systems of the Northwest Indo-Gangetic Plains through Laser Land Leveling, Crop Diversification and Artificial Intelligence: A Critical Review

Abstract

The rice-wheat production system of the North-Western Indo-Gangetic Plains (NWIGP) has played a critical role in ensuring national food security; however, prolonged mono-cropping, excessive groundwater extraction, and inefficient resource use have led to declining system productivity and environmental stress. Redesigning this system through the integration of laser land leveling (LLL), crop diversification, and artificial intelligence (AI) offers a promising pathway toward sustainable intensification. Empirical studies from the NWIGP indicate that laser land leveling improves field uniformity and reduces irrigation water use by 20-30%, while enhancing water productivity by 15-25% and increasing rice and wheat yields by 5-10% compared to conventionally leveled fields. Additionally, LLL has been shown to lower energy consumption for irrigation by 15-20% and reduce nitrogen losses due to improved moisture distribution. Crop diversification, particularly the substitution of rice with maize, pulses, or oilseeds, has demonstrated groundwater savings of 30-50% and net income gains ranging from 20-40%, along with measurable improvements in soil organic carbon and nutrient-use efficiency. The incorporation of artificial intelligence further strengthens system performance by enabling real-time, site-specific decision-making. AI-driven models for irrigation scheduling and nutrient management have been reported to reduce fertilizer use by 10-20% and irrigation events by 15-25% without yield penalties, while improving input-use efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The synergistic integration of LLL, diversified cropping systems, and AI-based decision support tools facilitates a transition from resource-intensive to precision- and knowledge-driven agriculture. This redesigned rice-wheat system enhances resilience to climate variability, restores resource-use efficiency, and supports long-term sustainability and profitability in the NWIGP under increasing biophysical and socio-economic constraints.