The aim of the present study was to determine the dose of Nitrogen and plant spacing of BRSMG Caravera, a modern rice cultivar, in order to maximize grain yield and increase rice production in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The following characteristics were evaluated: grain yield (GY), percentage of filled grains (% F), 100 grains weight (100 GW) and plant height (H). It was used a 4 × 4 factorial design, with four row spacings (20, 30, 40 and 50 cm) and four nitrogen rates (0, 40, 80 and 120 kg ha-1) totaling 16 treatments. The phenotypes were analyzed through the Scott-Knott mean test together with an analysis for significant interactions to identify the spacing and the N rates associated with the best trait averages. Differences in plant spacing were associated with significant differences in GY, % F and H, whereas different N rates were associated with significant differences of GY and H. When considering the interaction between plant spacing and N rates, significant differences could be identified for all traits, indicating that these factors should be considered together. The highest grain yield was achieved with spacing of 20 cm and N rate of 120 kg ha-1. The use of modern cultivars, the adequate spacing and N dose can significantly increase grain yield and competitiveness of upland rice cultivation, in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil.