In a major step toward addressing the deepening subsoil water crisis, experts from Punjab and California State University, Fresno, on Sunday held high-level discussions on water recharge strategies. The delegation, led by Dr Sharon Elizabeth Benes and Dr Gurreet Singh Brar, engaged with the Punjab State Farmers’ and Farm Workers’ Commission (PSFC) to develop sustainable solutions for water conservation.
Punjab and California both face severe groundwater depletion, threatening their agricultural economies. PSFC chairman Dr Sukhpal Singh presented Punjab’s Agriculture Policy, while former Director of Agriculture, Rajesh Vashisht, highlighted alarming data on groundwater decline and proposed science-backed recharge techniques.
Dr Brar, an eminent scientist, emphasized the urgent need for sustainable farming practices, drawing stark comparisons between the two regions. Dr Benes shared California’s experience in tackling water shortages, stressing the importance of global collaboration.
Dr Gurkanwal Singh, former Director of Horticulture, urged experts worldwide to work collectively to make agriculture more resilient. Additional insights from Dr Ranjodh Singh Bains and Manavpreet Singh enriched the discussions with actionable policy recommendations from Punjab’s draft agricultural framework.
