This technology describes the introduction of line sowing techniques and the Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) method for rice cultivation in the District of Muzaffargarh in Pakistan and its economic implications based on a cost-benefit analysis. The main hazards affecting agricultural livelihoods, including rice cultivation, of this region are dry spells and related water scarcity. Line sowing allows better control of plant populations where the distance between plants and rows is uniform and farmers can maintain an optimum rice plant population of 80 000 per acre. The AWD dry method requires smaller amounts of standing water and results in lower methane emissions and higher soil fertility. The implementation of these practices allows for reusing irrigation water a few days after the disappearance of the ponded water. Farmers are thus able to reduce irrigation water consumption in rice fields without decreasing yields.