Ecofriendly Plant Based Hydrogels Improve Drought Resilience and Promote Sustainable Crop Productivity in Rice Based Agroecosystems

Water stress affects over one-third of global cropland, with rice (Oryza sativa L.) being highly vulnerable, particularly at the reproductive stage. This study evaluated three eco-friendly plant-based hydrogels—potato peel powder-chitosan (PPPC), cellulose-based (CL), and gum arabica (GA)—applied via seed coating and soil amendment to improve drought resilience in rice. Hydrogels were characterized (swelling, FTIR, XRD, SEM) and tested in vitro and in pots under reproductive-stage drought stress. Results showed that under drought, seed coating with CL hydrogel increased germination by 28%, shoot length by 37%, and grain yield by up to 140% compared to the control, while PPPC hydrogel maximized root length (43% increase) and 1000-grain weight. Both hydrogel application methods (seed coating and soil application) enhanced drought tolerance; however seed coating proved to be more cost-effective and efficient approach. These findings provide a sustainable, low-cost adaptation tool for rice farmers in water-scarce regions, enhancing food security, supporting climate-resilient agriculture, and contributing to socioeconomic stability in drought-prone areas.