Experiments were conducted in farmers’ fields during wet (2001 and 2002) and dry (2001-02, 2002-03) seasons in three different irrigation commands (Hirakud, Hariharajore and Pitamahal) in Western Orissa to study the effect of land leveling with and without deep ploughing on productivity of rice. Data revealed that deep ploughing followed by puddling and proper land leveling resulted in significant increase in rice grain yield (ranging from 38.0 to 45.6 q ha-1 in wet season and 42.0 to 44.0 q ha^-1 in dry season) in all the locations during both the seasons but it was at par with ploughing with country plough followed by puddling and proper land leveling in Hirakud and Hariharajore locations during kharif. Economic analysis also revealed that net return (Rs. 6127 ha^-1 in wet season and Rs.7039 in dry season) and net return rupee-1 invested (0.51 in wet season and 0.64 in dry season) were also the highest in deep ploughing followed by puddling and proper land leveling irrespective of locations. This practice proved more beneficial at Pitamahal where problem of iron toxicity of soil got decreased. However, usual ploughing with country plough followed by puddling along with proper leveling was adjudged to be most cost effective treatment across locations and seasons with a figure of more than Rs.4.00 of additional return per every additional rupee invested.