The study examines the adoption of Direct-Seeded Rice (DSR) technology in Odisha, where rice farming primarily relies on resource-intensive transplanted rice (TPR) practices. DSR offers advantages in water usage, labor, energy, emissions, and cost savings, but its adoption among farmers remains limited. The research aims to understand traditional practices, farmers' attitudes, and the constraints affecting DSR adoption in Odisha's Khorda and Puri districts. A structured questionnaire was dispensed to 120 farmers practicing both DSR and TPR. The data was assessed using descriptive statistics, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Likerts, and Mann Whitney U test. Findings indicated that key constraints for DSR adoption include the unavailability of skilled labor, soil problems and weed issues. Economic analysis reveals that the cost of TPR production is 16.3% higher than DSR, and DSR exhibits a better benefit-to-cost ratio. The study suggests that resource conservation, productivity improvement, economic profitability, and environmental concerns drive farmers to practice DSR. Results of PCA suggest that it is possible to significantly increase DSR acceptance among the control group by utilising ICT technologies and extension agents. The study concludes that increasing DSR adoption requires the development of more suitable rice varieties, improved weed management strategies, and capacity building for farmers. Embracing DSR can address challenges faced by Odisha farmers, contributing to achieving food security and mitigating the impacts of climate change. This paper also serves as an important baseline for the implementation of further large-scale projects on DSR adoption.