<p>Microbes are the most sensitive component of soil, and they are affected by any change in the soil properties caused by land use patterns and the application of pesticides. Exposure to antibiotics and pesticides results in the development of tolerant/degrading and antibiotic-resistant soil microbiomes that can flourish antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in other biota. Therefore, analyzing the emergence of AMR in soil due to anthropogenic activities is a prime concern. Due to comprehensiveness, high resolution, and versatility, a whole metagenome (shotgun) based study was conducted for the assessment of wide range of AMR and pollutant degradation pathway genes in rice field soils under the influence of land use (tillage) changes and herbicide (pendimethalin) application. In the zero tillage herbicide treatment versus zero tillage control groups, beta-lactam, vancomycin, and cationic antimicrobial peptides were the most significantly affected AMR genes, with fold change of&#xa0;1.19, 1.20, and 1.31, respectively. Similarly, the most affected degradation pathways genes were of dioxin degradation, phosphonate/phosphinate metabolism, atrazine degradation, and benzoate degradation with fold change of 4.00, 2.00, 1.75, and 1.18, respectively. Overall, the study reveals an increase in AMR and pollutant degradation ability of soil microbial flora due to tillage and herbicide treatment. Pollutant degradation will aid in restoring soil health and environmental sustainability, whereas addressing AMR signifies the need for adequate monitoring and regulations to mitigate the spread of AMR. Henceforth, the&#xa0;outcomes would&#xa0;contribute in developing sustainable agricultural practices in rice fields to reduce the AMR load and enhance the efficacy of pollutant degradation in soils.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>