Table 5a shows the techno-economic performances of the three
cropping systems per area cultivated (ha). The results highlight the
low performances of dry-season irrigated rice systems (Id), the
production factor requirements of which are systematically higher
than those of the two other systems; in addition, the Id system
yielded markedly lower production. This system also requires
mostly blue water (irrigation water), while the other two rely
predominantly on green water (natural stocks and flows). The Id
system requires 3 pumping episodes on average to replenish
ponding conditions in paddy fields; therefore, it requires more labour
and energy (pumps).