Two field experiments were conducted during wet season 2008 and 2009 to evaluate the best integrated nutrient management system for rice in the mountainous foothill conditions of Manipur. The field experiments were conducted comprising of 15 treatments with integrated approach of nutrient management involving fertilizer, compost and rice husk ash (RHA) at various levels. On the basis of mean of two years, the treatment 100% RDF + RHA @ 5t ha^-1, receiving 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) (N-P-K: 100- 80-50 kg ha^-1) with 5t ha^-1 RHA showed maximum yield (1.76 t ha^-1) which was at par with 100%+FYM @ 5t ha^-1 giving 1.74 t ha^-1. The performance of 100% RDF + compost @ 5t ha-1 however, was significantly lower than RHA and FYM at the same level of each input but showed better performance than all other treatments except all organic sources @ 5t ha^-1. Control with no input showed lowest yield in both the years. Plant biometric characters showed a mixed response of performances. Yield components like, panicle length, tiller numbers, grain numbers, test weight etc. were better with the treatment, 100% RDF + RHA @ 5t ha^-1. Nutrient uptake was significant between the best treatment 100% RDF + RHA @ 5t ha^-1 and the rest including control, except 100% RDF + FYM @ 5t ha-1. The highest cost : benefit ratio was however, recorded with Compost @ 5t + FYM 5t + RHA 5t ha^-1. Hence, the use of pure organics (FYM+Compost+RHA) would be a profitable proposition which is not only economical, but also eco-friendly in widening the traditional jhum cycle.