The rice transplantation method is still the predominant cultivation practice. However, with increasing water scarcity, high-cost production, and adverse effects on soil health and the surrounding environment, alternative crop production methods should be practiced for sustainable rice production. In the current study, we evaluated the transplantation and direct seeding rice cultivation methods under different nitrogen (N) and zinc (Zn) fertilization rates. We used four different input rates for both N (i.e., N0 = 0 kg ha^-1, N1 = 90 kg ha^-1, N2 = 120 kg ha^-1, and N3 = 150 kg ha^-1) and Zn (Zn0 = 0 kgha^-1, Zn1 = 5 kg ha^-1, Zn2 = 10 kg ha^-1, a nd Zn3 = 15 kg ha^-1). The results showed that the transplantation rice method coupling with N3 and Zn2 substantially improved yield and yield-related components compared to the direct seeded method and other fertilizer treatments. Considering weed density and non-productive tillers, the transplantation rice method coupled with N3 and Zn2 recorded lower weed density and non-productive tillers as compared to the direct seeded rice method coupled with nitrogen and zinc fertilization treatments. The transplantation method with N3 and Zn2 significantly improved leaf area index, leaf area duration, net assimilation rate, and photosynthetically active radiation in comparison to other treatments applied. Furthermore, the transplantation rice method recorded higher economic returns compared to the direct seeded rice method. It was concluded from the findings of this study that the transplantation rice method, along with a suitable amount of N and Zn fertilizers, could enhance yield-related components, leading to higher production and substantially higher net income. While the transplantation method showed promising results, future research should explore ways to address the challenges of the direct seeding method, such as managing weed density and non-productive tillers, to make it a viable alternative for sustainable rice production.