The study looked at how different types of rice plants grow and produce rice in conditions with limited water. They found that some rice varieties were more resistant to drought than others, with some varieties showing less reduction in plant height and number of tillers. The researchers also discovered that the early growth stage of rice plants, especially the tillering stage, was most affected by drought conditions. This suggests that certain rice varieties are better suited for cultivation in areas prone to drought, as they are more stable and produce higher yields even with limited water supply.